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Binge Eating Disorder Treatment to Recovery at Home
For the millions of people who struggle with binge eating disorder, professional treatment can provide life-saving interventions and skills needed for long-term recovery.
Contrary to the many myths believed about binge eating disorder, this mental illness is influenced by a variety of complex factors, including genetics, environmental stressors, psychosocial components, and more.
Having the structure provided by binge eating disorder treatment can help ensure that a person is able to work through the many potential factors that are part of this severe eating disorder.
Binge Eating Disorder Treatment Options
Sadly, eating disorders are often stigmatized, where a person’s degree of sickness is thought to be determined by their weight alone. Nothing could be further from the truth, as a person with an eating disorder can be severely affected by an eating disorder, such as binge eating disorder, regardless of what their weight or body size may be.
Many people with binge eating disorder who are of “normal” weight, or even overweight/obese, may not immediately seek out treatment due to fear of not being “sick enough”.
However, when left untreated, binge eating disorder can result in dangerous physical, emotional, and psychological consequences. In one survey on binge eating disorder sufferers, researchers found that only three percent of those who met the criteria for this eating disorder actually received a diagnosis from their physician [1].
This is an indicator that a majority of those struggling with this eating disorder are not receiving the professional interventions and treatment needed for recovery.
With improved understanding and awareness of binge eating disorder through research and advocacy, treatment options have expanded and improved, giving more options for the individual wanting to recover from an eating disorder.
Depending on the severity of the eating disorder, binge eating disorder treatment options range from residential treatment to outpatient treatment, with a variety of resources and tools available to help improve the prognosis of this eating disorder.
Optimizing Binge Eating Disorder Treatment
Binge eating disorder treatment can be viewed as a unique journey, where each individual’s road to recovery is different and involves different aspects of treatment. What is important for all individuals in recovery from binge eating disorder is to have constant support along each step of the way, particularly when transitioning from one level of treatment to another.
Binge eating disorder treatment programs are particularly helpful in providing structure, supervision/monitoring, and constant support, which can be essential for medical and psychiatric stabilization [2].
However, when a person steps down from this level of care, this does not mean that they cannot continue to be successful in their recovery without these types of interventions.
Ideally, in treatment, an individual recovering from binge eating disorder will develop the necessary skills to cope with urges to engage in binge eating behavior.
A person should also mature in coping skills for handling difficult circumstances or co-occurring mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
Learning to identify potential triggers and enact healthy coping mechanisms can all be helpful for relapse prevention. Comprehensive treatment programs for binge eating disorder should ideally provide multidisciplinary care through psychotherapy, medical nutrition therapy, group/peer support, and medical/medication management [3].
Maintaining Binge Eating Disorder Recovery
While one cannot always plan for what is to come in the recovery process from binge eating disorder, there are several steps that can be taken to prepare for long-term recovery. Establishing a continuum of care is critical for maintaining recovery once stepping down from a treatment program.
Your treatment team can help you prepare for this transition by connecting you with a variety of resources, including a binge eating disorder support group, outpatient therapist, dietitian, psychiatrist, etc. No matter what position you may be in prior to stepping down from treatment, it is crucial to set up appointments with your new providers ahead of time.
Make this a priority in your schedule and get dates on your calendar. This will help you stay connected to resources that will keep your recovery a priority.
It may also be helpful to have an accountability partner that will support you in your journey after treatment. This can be a mentor, counselor, trusted friend, etc.
Someone you know who can follow up with you, ask you about how your aftercare appointments are going, or who you can turn to when facing overwhelming situations. Accountability is an essential component of long-term recovery from binge eating disorder, so be sure to set this up prior to discharge.
Lastly, make a commitment to being honest with yourself and reaching out for help when needed. Relapse is a natural part of binge eating disorder recovery, and slipping does not mean you have failed.
Having resources set up ahead of time will make it that much easier to reach out for support, especially during difficult situations or when times get tough. Your recovery from binge eating disorder is an essential component to your life, so give yourself what you need to keep it a priority.
About the Author: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC is a Contributing Writer for Eating Disorder Hope.
Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing. As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH and nutrition private practice.
References:
[1]: Kessler, R. C., Berglund, P. A., Chiu, W. T., Dietz, A. C., Hudson, J. I., Shahly, V., Aguilar-Gaxiola, S., Alonso, J., Angermeyer, M.C., Benjet, C., Bruffaerts, R., de Girolamo, G., de Graaf, R., Maria Haro, J., Kovess-Masfety, V., O’Neill, S., Posada-Villa, J., Sasu, C., Scott, K., Viana, M. C., & Xavier, M. (2013, May 1). The prevalence and correlates of binge eating disorder in the world health organization world mental health surveys [Abstract]. Biological Psychiatry, 73(9), 904-914.[2]: Binge Eating Disorder Association, “What is Binge Eating Disorder”, http://bedaonline.com/understanding-binge-eating-disorder/what-is-bed/ Accessed 21 July 2017
[3]: National Eating Disorder Association, “Treating an Eating Disorder”, http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/treating-eating-disorder Accessed 21 July 2017
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Published on September 2, 2017.
Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on September 2, 2017.
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.
