Binge eating disorder is an illness characterized by binging episodes, or eating excessive amounts of food, during which a person feels a loss of control. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, eating disorders are complex illnesses that involve a combination of factors, including psychological, biological, interpersonal and social factors. An understanding of the factors that contribute to the disorder may help guide those struggling with the illness toward proper treatment.
Depression
Depression is a common symptom among people with binge eating disorder. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, up to one-half of people with the disorder have or have had depression in the past. Since most individuals who binge feel guilt, shame or depression in response to their behaviors, existing depression may worsen as the disorder progresses. Most effective treatment programs for binge eating disorder address underlying issues that may have caused the condition, including depression. In some cases, anti-depressant medications or other therapies are used to treat the depression as well as the overall disorder.
Interpersonal Factors
Troubled relationships, family difficulties and a history of being teased or abused often contribute to eating disorders. The National Eating Disorder Association explains that people with eating disorders can have difficulty addressing or expressing their feelings. In the case of binge eating disorder, binging behaviors may become a coping mechanism, a way to handle difficult feelings or situations. If a person has been teased incessantly regarding her physical shape or size, she may be more likely to develop binge-eating behaviors. Since low self esteem is common amongst those with binge eating disorder, helping a person strengthen feelings of self-worth and improving personal body image are valuable aspects of treatment.
Heredity
Though research is still being conducted to determine the role genes play in the onset of binge eating disorder, heredity is believed to have an impact. According to an article published in the Harvard Gazette in March of 2006, research conducted at Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital suggests that binge eating disorder has a tendency to run in families and that family members of obese individuals with the disorder were twice as likely to develop the disorder themselves. Such findings may aid in future treatment for binge eating disorder and could help health care professionals determine an individuals' risk for developing the disease.
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of binge eating disorder, seek guidance from a qualified professional who can guide you toward treatment.
