Binge Eating Disorder – Willow Place for Women

Binge Eating Disorder was recently added to the DSM-5 – officially making it a diagnosable and potentially treatable disorder, one that is medially recognized as legitimate and crippling. BED is the most common eating disorder in the United States, with over 2.8 million sufferers nationwide. Surprisingly enough, three times as many people suffer from BED than suffer from anorexia and bulimia combined. Those who suffer from BED typically begin experiencing signs and symptoms in their late teens or early 20s, though this disorder has been known to affect individuals of all ages. Men tend to experience the onset of this disorder later on in life than women do, however. Those who suffer from Binge Eating Disorder will typically consume excessive quantities of food in one sitting, eating to the point of physical discomfort and illness. After the period of uncontrollable consumption ceases, the afflicted individual will experience intense feelings of guilt and shame – and sometimes, these feelings of shame will be so overwhelming that the afflicted will turn to certain means of self-medication (namely drugs and alcohol).

Binge Eating Disorder – Facts and Statistics

Those who suffer from BED face an immense amount of misunderstanding and judgment from those who have no personal experience with the disorder. Because binge eating is characterized by compulsive overeating, it is sometimes difficult for the ignorant to comprehend how something that seems like a matter of willpower or motivation could be so devastating and uncontrollable. The reality is, BED is one of the most prevalent diagnosable psychological disorders countrywide. Take a look at some facts and statistics relating to this specific disorder, facts that prove just how common the affliction truly is.

• BED is more common than breast cancer.
• More individuals suffer from binge eating disorder than suffer from HIV or schizophrenia.
• While BED affects more women than men, it is the most common eating disorder amongst men.
• The majority of those suffering from BED are not receiving the medical treatment they need, predominantly because they are ashamed or uneducated on the implications of the disorder.
• Those with BED will typically eat alone and in private.
• 2 out of every 3 BED sufferers are obese.
• 30% of individuals who look into extreme weight loss methods actually suffer from binge eating disorder.

BED Recovery

Since binge eating disorder was officially adopted into the DSM-V in 2013 as a diagnosable and treatable disorder, a wider range of medical professionals have been studying adequate treatment. Recovery is possible! Those suffering any form of significant eating disorder should absolutely seek professional treatment as quickly as possible. Because eating disorders are typically closely intertwined with other disorders, those seeking treatment for BED will need to work alongside a team of professionals – a nutritionist, psychologist, psychiatrist, and primary care physician.