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Women's Mental Health

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder is an illness that is more common in women and that has similar symptoms to the eating disorder, bulimia nervosa. Like bulimics, binge eaters have episodes of uncontrolled eating or bingeing. But, binge eating disorder differs from bulimia because its sufferers do not purge their bodies of excess food.

People with binge eating disorders feel that they lose control of themselves when eating. They eat large quantities of food and do not stop until they are uncomfortably full. Usually, they have more problems losing weight and keeping it off than do people with other serious weight problems. Most people with the disorder are obese and have a history of weight changes.

Like all eating disorders, binge eating is treated on both a physical and psychological level.

Additional Resources

Publications

  1. Federal resource  Binge Eating Disorder — This fact sheet describes the symptoms, causes, complications, and treatment of binge eating disorder, along with a profile of those at risk for the disorder.

    http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/binge.htm

  2. Federal resource  Eating Disorders — This detailed booklet describes symptoms, causes, and treatments of eating disorders. It also includes information on getting help and coping.

    http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders/summary.shtml

  3. A Brief Overview of Therapies Used in the Treatment of Eating Disorders (Copyright © ANAD) — Psychotherapy can be an effective way of treating eating disorders. This fact sheet provides an overview of each type of psychotherapy commonly used in the treatment of anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders.

    http://www.anad.org/22343/index.html

  4. Binge Eating Disorder (Copyright © Helpguide.org) — This fact sheet explains what binge eating is and what binge-eating disorder is, and how it relates to emotional eating.

    http://www.helpguide.org/mental/binge_eating_disorder.htm

  5. Binge Eating Disorder (Copyright © NEDA) — This online publication describes the primary symptoms as well as the warning signs of binge eating disorder (BED). It lists health consequences about BED.

    http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/p.asp?WebPage_ID=321&Profile_ID=41140

  6. Binge Eating Disorder (Copyright © Nemours Foundation) — This publication explains to parents what binge eating disorder is, what its symptoms are, and what complications can arise because of this disorder.

    http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/binge_eating.html

  7. Binge-Eating Disorder (Copyright © Mayo Foundation) — This Web site provides information about binge-eating disorder, including risk factors, symptoms, treatment, coping skills, and self-help.

    http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/binge-eating-disorder/DS00608

  8. Find a Support Group (Copyright © ANAD) — If you have an eating disorder, this Web page will help you locate a support group in your area.

    http://www.anad.org/22322/index.html

  9. How to Afford Appropriate Treatment for an Eating Disorder: A Guide for Patients & Their Families (Copyright © National Eating Disorder Association) — This publication provides detailed information on where to find appropriate treatment, how to find out if it is covered by insurance, what to do if it isn't, and where to get financial assistance for eating disorder treatment.

    http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/p.asp?WebPage_ID=758

  10. Pregnancy & Eating Disorders: Facts About the Risks (Copyright © National Eating Disorder Association) — This publication discusses the risks of having an eating disorder during pregnancy, including an explanation of how it can affect both the baby and mother. It also provides information on what to do if you become pregnant.

    http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/p.asp?WebPage_ID=320&Profile_ID=96566

Organizations

  1. Federal resource  National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, HHS
  2. Federal resource  National Mental Health Consumers' Self-Help Clearinghouse
  3. Federal resource  National Mental Health Information Center, SAMHSA, HHS
  4. Federal resource  Nutrition.Gov
  5. Federal resource  Weight-Control Information Network, NIDDK, NIH, HHS
  6. Academy for Eating Disorders
  7. American Dietetic Association
  8. Anna Westin Foundation
  9. Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders (FEAST)
  10. National Eating Disorders Association

Federal resource = Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated April 30, 2008.

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