BINGE EATING DISORDER

According to American Psychological Association, some symptoms of binge eating disorder are taking food frequently within a short interval of time.  The victim cannot control himself.  The individual takes food even when he is not hungry.  The individual suffers from depression once a week and it lasts for 3 months.  Overeating makes one fat and therefore he becomes socially unpopular.  An obese person also learns to avoid friends and acquaintances.   

History of Binge Eating Disorder’s inclusion in DSM

In 1952, anorexia nervosa was first added in DSM.  In 1987, binge eating was included in bulimia.  In 1994, it was taken under Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.  In 2013, binge eating disorder was included in the DSM. 

Statistics

It has been found that 57%  people suffering from binge eating disorder do not undergo any treatment.  There is always a reluctance on the part of obese people to shape themselves up.  This is sheer inertia.  About 2.8% Americans suffer from BED.  Among the patients, 60% are female and 40% are male.  Sitting for long hours at desk jobs is one of the reasons for obesity and people are tempted to eat junk food, which only aggravate their problem.  This disorder affects people of all races and age groups.  People suffering from depression have binge eating disorder.  People of all categories of weight have BED.

Ways of professional assistance

You can get professional help by calling the helpline at 1-800-931-2237.  You can also talk to a well-informed volunteer at nationaleatingdisorders.org.  The advice is given between Monday and Friday. Moral assistance is given as well as referrals are shared.  People with eating disorder should contact them and seek help, which is the first step.

Assistance from NEDA Navigator

The full form of NEDA is National Eating Disorders Association.  The NEDA navigators are people having experience in dealing with patients having eating disorders.  The NEDA members and doctors train them to cope up with their illness.  You can seek assistance via e-mail: pffnetwork@mymedia.org