Compulsive eating disorder, better known as compulsive overeating or binge eating disorder, involves binging episodes in which a person feels powerless to control excessive food intake. According to the University of Pennsylvania Office of Health Education, compulsive overeating disorder indicates an addiction to food. A variety of treatment options are available to those with the disorder.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
As with most eating disorders, therapies that help a person discover and learn to cope with the underlying issues that lead to the development of the disorder are helpful for many with binge eating disorder. According to the American Psychological Association, cognitive behavioral therapy addresses these issues by examining the person's thought and behaviors pertaining to her eating disorder. The idea behind cognitive behavioral therapy is that thoughts cause feelings, not external stimulus such as people, food or events. As a person's thoughts regarding himself, his circumstances, his body, food and eating habits shift from negative to positive, symptoms may, in turn, reduce.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Interpersonal psychotherapy addresses relationships with others. The American Psychological Association (APA) suggests that this form of therapy may prove particularly beneficial for those who have strenuous, hurtful or otherwise complicated relationships with loved ones or other influential people in the individual's life. Since eating disorders often occur as a means of coping when a person feels helpless to control difficult matters in her life, interpersonal psychotherapy may help resolve conflicts that stimulate or trigger disordered eating behaviors. The APA also states that addressing emotional issues as a means of reducing binge behaviors is more beneficial than programs that emphasize weight management as a top priority. Once emotional well-being is in place, healthy weight management becomes more realistic and attainable.
Twelve-Step Programs
Twelve-step programs, such as Overeaters Anonymous, are similar to twelve-step programs for alcoholism and other addictions. The University of Michigan Health System suggests twelve-step programs as a potentially valuable resource for those who compulsively overeat. Twelve-step programs abide by a set of principles and guidelines, such as admitting that a person is helpless to control her compulsion, recognizing that a higher powder can give her strength,
examining past errors and making amends for them, learning more positive ways to behave and seeking ways to help others with similar difficulties. Since eating disorders involve compulsions and addiction, this format may help those with binge eating disorders attain sustained recovery.
If you struggle with binge eating behaviors, seek a means of treatment that appeals most to you. If you're unsure as to what type of treatment is ideal, seek guidance from a qualified mental health professional.
