Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Binge Eating Disorder is believed to be a milder subset of bulimia and describes an eating disorder characterised by periodically having a lack of control over food. Sufferers consume large amounts of food until they feel physically uncomfortable.

Unlike other eating disorders, individuals suffering with binge eating do not fast, purge or engage in strenuous exercise after food consumption. Contrary to popular belief such individuals do not spend time fantasising about food and are not obsessed or addicted to eating. The binge eating episodes usually follow feelings of sadness, anger or boredom.

Individuals suffering from various types of eating disorder such as this frequently exhibit feelings of shame, guilt and embarrassment about food. They often eat alone to avoid the disorder being discovered.

There is no lone concrete explanation for developing an eating disorder, but is linked to other psychiatric disorders such as depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. Emotional deregulation and high impulsivity are common triggers in such individuals.

Treatment for BED at Cygnet Hospital Ealing is available as an out-patient, day-patient or in-patient. Under the supervision of the Consultant Psychiatrist it may involve a combination of individual and group sessions. The treatment plan would follow an initial assessment to determine the right choice for the individual and particular sessions may involve cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), psychotherapy and other complimentary therapies such as art or drama.

Private treatment is available at:

• Cygnet Hospital Ealing