Binge-eating disorder (BED) is a condition in which individuals regularly eat excessively large amounts of food, sometimes ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 calories, in one sitting. Cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychology are two popular techniques used for treating binge eating. Cognitive behavioral therapy addresses a patient's "thoughts and behaviors about eating and self-image," says the American Psychological Association (APA). It involves tracking behavior. Interpersonal psychotherapy helps a patient "face and heal rifts in current relationships," says the APA, by focusing on relationships with others and making necessary changes. Such techniques can help you conquer this disorder.
Focus on Your Treatment
Both therapies for binge eating demonstrate "long-term success," according to a study in the "Archives of General Psychiatry," reports the APA. Behavioral techniques, however, are the best way to treat binge eating and obesity, notes the APA study, as they are "less expensive, shorter in duration and directly target obesity." Sticking to your treatment is critical for success. This means attending therapy and following all meal plans. Follow the guidelines of your treatment. If your treatment includes meal plans, do your best to stick to these plans. It is important to stay on track even when you have a setback. Don't let setbacks lead to more binging.
Remember the Basics
Remember to eat breakfast. Many who binge-eat skip breakfast, but "studies show that if you eat breakfast, you're less prone to eating higher-calorie meals later in the day," says the Mayo Clinic. Make sure you're getting enough vitamins and nutrients. Binging usually involves unhealthy foods, which do not provide enough nutrition and vitamins for your body. Don't diet. Dieting can "trigger more binge episodes, leading to a vicious cycle that's hard to break," reports the Mayo Clinic. Don't keep your kitchen supplied with lots of food. Instead, keep less food than you normally do to prevent binging opportunities.
Connect with Others
Because binge eating is a condition many choose to hide, interaction with others is vital. A significant aspect of interpersonal psychology is building a healthy social network. Connecting with others as well as working on interpersonal skills reduces "depressive symptoms and eating and weight-related psychopathology," according to the National Institutes of Health. Working on problem areas improves self-esteem, having a positive effect. Support groups are helpful because patients learn they are not alone and come to understand that they can help each other in their struggles.
Tags: binge eating, your treatment, behavioral therapy, Cognitive behavioral, Cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychology