- About CIR
- Start / Help
- Issues
- Abortion
- Abuse
- Addiction
- Anon-Those Who Love Dysfunctional People
- Eating Disorders
- Emotions & Mental Health
- Faith
- Family
- General Recovery
- Money
- Pastors & Pros
- Physical Health
- Prison / Jail
- Relapse
- Relationships
- Sex
- Suffering
- Temptation
- The Past
- Tools
- 12 Steps
- Bible Studies
- Inspiration
- AA & Big Book Related
- Beyond Recovery
- Bible Related
- Book Studies
- Books
- Calculator
- Group Handouts
- Hotlines
- Journaling
- Library
- Pastors & Pros Tools
- Recovery Groups
- Podcasts / Videos
- Signs & Symptoms
- Software
- Sponsors & Buddies
- Worksheets & Workbooks
- Workshops
- Compass Points
- CIR Goodies
- How to Help
Binge Eating
Binge-eating disorder is characterized by recurrent binge-eating episodes during which a person feels a loss of control over his or her eating. Unlike bulimia, binge-eating episodes are not followed by purging, excessive exercise or fasting. As a result, people with binge-eating disorder often are overweight or obese. They also experience guilt, shame and/or distress about the binge-eating, which can lead to more binge-eating.
Obese people with binge-eating disorder often have coexisting psychological illnesses including anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. In addition, links between obesity and cardiovascular disease and hypertension are well documented.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR BINGE-EATING DISORDER are similar to those used to treat bulimia. Fluoxetine and other antidepressants may reduce binge-eating episodes and help alleviate depression in some patients.
Patients with binge-eating disorder also may be prescribed appetite suppressants. Psychotherapy, especially CBT, is also used to treat the underlying psychological issues associated with binge-eating, in an individual or group environment.