Binge Eating
BINGE EATING
Binge-Eating Disorder (B.E.D.) is not just over-eating. It is much more than this. A large portion of the American population eats excessively or unhealthily. The American Psychiatric Association defines B.E.D. as a condition where an individual has one or more binge episodes per week for a three or more month period.
Binge episodes are characterized by uncontrollably eating large amounts of food faster than usual even when not hungry. In addition individuals with this disorder may spend a great deal of time obsessing about eating, experience distress or shame about their behavior , continue eating even when uncomfortably full, and try to conceal their binge eating. This is a condition that affects both women and men and shows similar frequency across ethnic and racial groups. Surprisingly the majority of those with B.E.D are not obese but rather fall into the normal or overweight categories.
While B.E.D. is the most common eating disorder in America (affecting more than 7 million people over a 12 month period) only about 3% receive treatment. This is unfortunate because there are effective treatments for this condition. A combination of a newly approved medication along with therapy have helped many individuals regain control over their lives. Recognizing the problem is the first step in solving it.
Let us help you address your concerns.
Call Potomac Grove Psychiatry today for an appointment: 301-963-0060.