Binge Eating Disorder in Adolescents
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is actually a disordered eating pattern in which people compulsively overeat. It can first begin in adolescence. While it is usual to overeat sometimes, it can become a problem if it happens regularly.
Usually, the binge eating is compulsive. While many teens may promise themselves that they will stop, it sometimes becomes an urge that cannot be resisted. It is important to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment if you suspect that your teen may have this disordered eating pattern.
What Causes It?
The exact cause of binge eating disorder is actually not known. Some of the predisposing factors include biological makeup, psychological issues, and social or family environment. It is common for eating disorders to “run in the family,” per se. In fact, there may be a genetic component to the way the body processes hunger and fullness. It may be a result of a chemical changes in the brain as well. Other factors may include a sense of low self worth or depression.
What are the Symptoms?
In order to get the proper treatment for this illness, you must first recognize it. In some cases, adolescents that suffer from binge eating disorder may not even realize it. It sometimes takes a close family member recognizing it before they will even acknowledge the problem.
Here are a few of the most common symptoms:
- Regular overeating
- Eating a lot of food very fast
- Eating soon after meals
- Signs of depression
- Signs of anxiety
- Obsession with weight
- Poor self image
If any of these signs are noticed, then it may be a good idea to seek some professional assistance to help in diagnosing and treating the eating disorder.
What are the Complications Involved?
There are many different complications that come about with binge eating disorder. Some of them are emotional, while others are physical. Adolescents that have binge eating disorder usually do not just enjoy overeating. In fact, they usually feel disgusted and miserable once they have finished eating.
Psychological and Physical effects:
- Depression
- Inability to sleep
- Anxiety
- Thoughts of suicide
- Obesity
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Digestive issues
- Muscle and joint pain
- Frequent headaches
Binge eating disorder can be detrimental to the health and well-being of the body. For this reason, it is important to seek treatment early.
How is it Treated?
The first step in treatment is to have a medical workup to rule out an organic disease contributing to bingeing and to assess for physical complications. Once any physical illness is addressed then the best way to treat binge eating disorder is to seek psychotherapy. This can be done individually or in a group setting. Some people do better when seeking help on an individual basis, while others may benefit from being around others with the same disorder. Some medications and supplements can be beneficial in this healing process.
Doorways offers treatment options for adolescents who suffer from binge eating disorder. They help to create a program that is specific to their needs, and they can even help the family cope with the issues as well. The good news is that teens are not alone in this disorder. There are many people that suffer from it and it is treatable with professional help and guidance.
