Did you know that nearly 1 in 10 Americans will live with an eating disorder during their lifetime?
When it comes to medical treatment for eating disorders, it’s important to understand the distinctions between common conditions. That way, you or your loved one can get the help and support they need at this difficult time.
In this article, we’ll be discussing binge eating disorder vs bulimia. We’ll outline the symptoms of each disorder, highlight a few key differences, and discuss the appropriate care pathway for each.
Read on to learn more.
What Is Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge eating disorder, also abbreviated as BED, is a serious eating disorder involving episodes of uncontrollable overeating.
Individuals with BED consume lots of food within a short period, often feeling a loss of control during these episodes. Unlike bulimia, people with BED do not engage in compensatory behaviors like purging, excessive exercise, or fasting.
The key symptoms of BED include:
- Frequent binge-eating episodes
- Lack of manage throughout binge episodes
- Eating rapidly and to the point of discomfort
- Eating alone due to shame
- Feelings of guilt or depression after binging
- Feelings of self-disgust or worthlessness
Individuals with BED often experience distress and emotional turmoil related to their eating behavior. Supplementary counseling and therapy can help get to the route of the issue.
Some common binge eating treatment options include:
- Psychotherapy
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
- Medical treatment for eating disorders
- Support groups
The comorbid mental health issues surrounding BED can make it difficult to address. Be honest with yourself and your healthcare provider – you can and will overcome this disease.
What Is Bulimia?
Bulimia nervosa is another type of eating disorder. It is distinguished by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors. Unlike BED, individuals with bulimia engage in self-induced vomiting, the misuse of laxatives, or excessive exercise to prevent weight gain.
Here are the main bulimia symptoms:
- Recurrent episodes of binge eating
- Regular use of compensatory behaviors following a binge
- An unhealthy preoccupation with body shape and weight
- Inflammation and dental erosion due to repeated vomiting
- Frequent fluctuations in weight
Bulimia can be deadly if left untreated. The shame and stigma around eating disorders can make it hard to reach out for help. However, intervention is critical if the patient is to make a full recovery.
Bulimia treatment typically includes:
- Psychotherapy
- In-patient care
- Medical intervention
- Feeding and monitoring programs
- Nutritional counseling
With a targeted and regimented approach, most people can and do beat bulimia. Reaching out for a diagnosis is the first step in the healing process.
Road to Recovery: Binge Eating Disorder vs Bulimia
While BED and bulimia both involve excessive food consumption, they differ significantly in terms of compensatory behaviors and treatment approaches.
Individuals struggling with these disorders need an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. With the right interventions, recovery is achievable. Knowing the difference between binge eating disorder vs bulimia can help you get the support you need.
If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out the rest of our blog for more useful guides.
