Binge Eating Disorder Counselling in London | Treatment & Therapy

What is Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge-Eating disorder is defined as a severe and life-threatening disorder that is characterised by recurring episodes of binge-eating large amounts of food. People with this disorder feel they don’t have control over themselves and their eating habits.

The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, reports that approximately 2.8% of American adults suffer from Binge Eating Disorder in their lifetime. Binge Eating Disorder is commonly accompanied by anxiety disorder and approximately 1 in 10 Binge Eating Disorders patients, have a substance use disorder. Reportedly, 1.6 million people in the UK have an eating disorder and an estimated 11% of that total, are male. Individuals ages 14-25 are most affected by an eating disorder.

Signs of Binge Eating Disorder

The primary characteristic of Binge Eating Disorder is eating large amounts of food in a short period of time. Additional symptoms include attempts to conceal eating habits from peers or eating alone, eating when you aren’t hungry, eating to the point you’re uncomfortably full, eating quickly and experiencing sensations of guilt, shame, depression, and disgust after eating.

Causes of Binge Eating Disorder

There is no direct or identifiable cause for acquiring a Binge Eating Disorder. You may be more likely to develop an Binge Eating Disorder if you have been criticized for eating habits, weight, body size/shape, have anxiety, low self-esteem, or your family members have a history of Binge Eating Disorder. Additionally, a family history of depression, or alcohol, or drug addiction may contribute to the development of a Binge Eating Disorder. Health risks of Binge Eating Disorder include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and gallbladder disease.

Binge Eating Disorder Treatment in London

The primary modalities of treatment for Binge Eating Disorder, include working through a self-help programme and working with a therapist. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be used for individual sessions or group sessions. Using CBT, you can work with your therapist to explore patterns of thoughts, feeling, and behaviours that contribute to your eating disorder. Using guided help, you can work with your therapist to keep track of your eating patterns, identify triggers, learn about coping skills, and make meal plans.

For more information about talking therapies and treatment programmes available at our Clinics in London please visit our Treatment page.