Whether you’re dealing with binge eating or know someone who is, understanding how to treat binge eating is essential. You can treat the condition in several ways, including self-help and support groups. You can also try antidepressants or cognitive behavioral therapy.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Unlike bulimia nervosa, which can be treated with medication or individual psychotherapy, binge eating disorder (BED) is still a relatively unknown condition. Studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for BED is an effective treatment. Compared with other therapies, it was found to increase abstinence rates.

CBT for BED involves psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, and problem-solving skills. Patients are taught new ways of thinking about their eating habits and emotional responses. The goal is to change the patterns that fuel their binge eating behavior.

In addition, relapse prevention techniques are taught. These techniques include coping with high-risk situations, problem-solving, and self-monitoring.

Wilfley and colleagues conducted the most comprehensive study of CBT for BED. They compared the group format of CBT with IPT. They also found that CBT produced better results than IPT. However, the differences were not statistically significant.

The study also showed that participants’ binge eating patterns decreased during the first six months of follow-up. In addition, the median number of binge eating days was zero at all follow-up time points.

Antidepressants

Several antidepressants have shown promise in treating binge eating. These medications can reduce depression, help patients control anxiety, and decrease the desire to binge eat. However, some antidepressants can have side effects.

Antidepressants work by changing the way the brain chemicals affect mood. For example, they can reduce the urge to binge eat and the frequency of binge-purge cycles. They may also help patients manage anxiety and other mental health problems.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work by putting more serotonin in the brain. They are used for treating depression, binge eating, and bulimia.

Tricyclic antidepressants are another group of medications that have been studied for treating bulimia. They are structurally different from SSRIs but may have a similar effect on the body. They have been used to treat depression, panic disorders, and cocaine withdrawal. However, they can cause side effects such as insomnia and nervousness.

Dialectical behavior therapy can also be helpful for patients with binge eating. This therapy helps patients manage emotions, tolerate stress, and improve relationships.

Anticonvulsants such as topiramate can also be effective in treating binge eating. However, they can cause nervousness, agitation, and difficulty concentrating.

Self-help and Support Groups

Having a self-help and support group for binge eating can be a great way to help you recover from the disease. It can also help you develop healthy coping skills and connect with others in the same situation. In addition, you can talk to a peer about your concerns more quickly than you would.

There are many different types of support groups for binge eating. Some are led by health professionals, while volunteers lead others. However, you should know that finding the right group for you can be challenging. Therefore, you should see a group that will suit your needs.

The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders offers a free support group. There are also several online support groups. In addition, you can join a group without a formal diagnosis. The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa also offers guides and resources to help you recover from your eating disorder.

EDF (Eating Disorder Foundation) has support groups that are free and open to the public. These groups are led by licensed professionals and facilitated by graduate students. These groups have proven to have a substantial impact on the individual member.

Identifying the Emotion You’re Feeling.

Identifying the emotion you feel when you binge can be tricky. You might feel like a pig in a poke, or you may be hungry and out of control. Identifying your triggers and finding a way to counteract them is essential. There are many tools available to help you.

A good starting point is to keep a food and mood diary. This will help you see what triggers you to binge and how you react to those triggers. For example, if you’re feeling sad, you might be more inclined to overeat than if you are excited or joyful. You can also use a distraction to help you resist the urge.

For example, a good meditation technique is to focus on the breath. This can be a quick five-minute session, but it can help reduce stress on your body and mind. Mindfulness meditation also has many other benefits, including the brain health benefits of learning to control your mind and body.

If you’re struggling with binge eating, you’ll want to find out what triggers you and how to avoid them in the future. Many tools and strategies help you do this, from taking a walk to talking to a friend or a professional.

Embarrassment Over Binge Eating

Embarrassment over binge eating is a common symptom of a binge eating disorder. However, it can be a symptom of other conditions as well. If you feel ashamed about eating, seek professional help.

Shame is a negative emotion that many people would do anything to avoid. It’s uncomfortable and often makes you want to run away. Shame is one of the most unpleasant emotions.

When you feel embarrassed over binge eating, it’s essential to identify your feelings. Then, you can start to explore what you’re feeling. Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you identify them.

Binge-eating episodes can also be associated with feelings of guilt and disgust. These feelings can be temporary, and binge eating can help you numb distress or anxiety. However, they can also lead to a more severe eating disorder.

There are also treatments for binge eating disorders, such as medication and psychotherapy. Medicines can help you to manage your binge eating episodes and to develop a more positive relationship with food.

There are also alternative methods for stress management, including meditation, sensory relaxation techniques, and simple breathing exercises. Talk to a therapist about it if you feel embarrassed over binge eating.