Eating disorders
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Binge-eating disorder (BED)
Binge-eating disorder (BED) is an eating disorder that is characterised by frequent overeating, a feeling of loss of control over food, and post-binge guilt. If the symptoms are severe, a physician’s assessment is necessary.
Specialist in the article
Psykologi, psykoterapeutti, psykologian dosentti
Revised 6/18/2024
Binge-eating disorder in brief:
- The symptoms of binge-eating disorder (BED) can be alleviated, and it is possible to make a full recovery. Competent and active multidisciplinary treatment is key.
- Our physicians can plan the treatment and the appropriate way to implement it. Psychosocial treatment and nutritional therapy are central forms of treatment.
- In the treatment of binge-eating disorder, it is important to simultaneously treat mental health, physical health and the eating disorder symptoms.
- Our multidisciplinary eating disorder team is here to help you in the Helsinki metropolitan area.
Symptoms of binge-eating disorder
- People with binge-eating disorder are consumed by thoughts of eating, and the symptoms include frequent binging.
- Binging episodes are often followed by a strong sense of guilt.
- People with binge-eating disorder often have a negative self-image or body image.
- Binge-eating disorder can have both mental and physical symptoms and consequences. Common psychological symptoms include depression and anxiety. Binge-eating disorder can also cause physical symptoms such as abdominal symptoms, weight gain or an increased risk of diabetes.
Treatment of binge-eating disorder
There is help available for the symptoms of binge-eating disorder, and it is possible to make a full recovery. Psychosocial and psychotherapeutic treatments, as well as nutritional therapy, are key forms of treatment for binge-eating disorder. If your symptoms are severe and you experience physical symptoms, a physician’s assessment is important.
Proper treatment includes competent multidisciplinary cooperation and a simultaneous focus on mental health, physical health, other co-occurring psychological symptoms and eating disorder symptoms.
In the treatment of binge-eating disorder, it is important to support regular and adequate eating, stop dieting, recognise the root causes of the symptoms in one’s life, find and strengthen healthy ways to regulate emotions in order to replace cravings, strengthen one’s self-esteem and body image, work on one’s own beliefs and thought patterns, and treat any other co-occurring psychological symptoms.
When to see a specialist?
If you would like to discuss your situation with our professionals, our multidisciplinary eating disorder team is here to help you in the Helsinki metropolitan area. The treatment is performed as outpatient treatment.
- The eating disorder team’s psychiatrists can plan the treatment and assess the need for treatment and the appropriate way to implement it.
- The eating disorder team’s psychologists and psychotherapists offer support discussion sessions as well as short-term psychosocial treatment and long-term psychotherapy. The treatment focuses simultaneously on the reduction of symptoms and psychological work.
- The eating disorder team’s dietitians provide nutritional therapy and help to normalise eating behaviour.
- The eating disorder team’s general practitioners and paediatricians assess the physical symptoms related to the binge-eating disorder and the need for blood tests and other examinations.
Frequently asked questions about binge-eating disorder
Binge-eating disorder, also known as BED, is an eating disorder in which a person repeatedly eats large amounts of food within a short period of time without being able to control themselves. This often leads to a strong sense of guilt and shame. Binge-eating disorder differs from bulimia in that it is not accompanied by regular compensatory behaviour, such as vomiting or excessive exercise.
Key symptoms of binge-eating disorder include uncontrollable binge-eating episodes during which the person eats significantly more food than most people would eat within the same amount of time and under similar conditions. After binging, the person often experiences feelings of strong guilt and depression. Long-term consequences can include weight gain, self-esteem issues and social isolation.
You can get help for binge-eating disorder, for example, from Mehiläinen’s multidisciplinary eating disorder team, which is located in the Helsinki metropolitan area and provides comprehensive support and treatment. You can also discuss your situation with a healthcare professional who can assess the severity of your symptoms and refer you to treatment.
The treatment of binge-eating disorder usually involves a multidisciplinary approach, which includes appointments with a psychologist or psychotherapist, nutritional therapy and, if necessary, medication. The treatment focuses on normalising eating behaviour and managing cravings and associated emotions. It is also important to work on self-esteem and body image, and to address any underlying psychological problems, such as depression or anxiety.
