Binge-eating disorder (BED) is a type of eating disorder where a person eats a large amount of food over a short space of time. They may not be hungry when doing this, often resulting in physical discomfort, as well as feelings of shame and guilt. Often referred to as compulsive eating, the sufferer may have come to rely on food to mask or cope with feelings of distress. BED can affect a person both physically and emotionally and it is commonly associated with depression and anxiety.

There are certain feelings and behaviours associated with binge-eating disorder. If you are turning to food for emotional support, you may experience feelings of guilt, loneliness, sadness, low self-worth, stress and anxiety.

It is common for people with eating problems to feel ashamed, or even embarrassed by their behaviours. They tend to be very secretive and, because of this, many people will not seek help early enough, if at all. Below we list some of the feelings and behaviours associated with binge-eating disorder.

• feelings of shame/guilt
• picking at food all day or eating large amounts at once
• eating until you feel sick or discomfort
• feeling sad or upset about your body, in particular if you are gaining weight
• feeling very low or worthless
• sensing a loss of control around food, even if you want to stop
• feeling stressed or anxious
• eating in private or hiding how much you’re eating

Binge-eating disorder (also referred to as BED), it is important for sufferers to know they’re not alone and shouldn’t be ashamed to ask for help.

Eating disorders are often developed and maintained in the context of psychological distress and difficulties and can represent the way in which individuals try to cope. Though the very definition of an ‘eating’ disorder implies a specific focus on food, food and nutrition are often not the key concern at the heart of an eating disorder. Instead, food becomes the medium through which feelings are expressed. The underlying psychological factors that produce the feelings can be complex and varied.

Pictures in the media and on tv can make us feel inadequate about our bodies and lead to eating and body image problems as we strive to achieve the perfect body. We may be affected in different ways. For example, men may start exercising obsessively to mould their body into the ideal shape while women might diet obsessively to reach size ‘0’. Whatever the method there is often an underlying problem of low self-esteem in people with an eating or body image disorder. However there is no one cause of an eating disorder. Rather, they usually arise when things such as stress, personality and the perceived expectations of others combine to create pressure on an individual.

Therapy can help with the recovery and management of an eating disorder in a variety of different ways. Some people may prefer ‘directive’ treatments that may involve homework such as keeping a food or reflective diary. In such instances, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may be the most suitable therapy. Others may prefer to explore the past and process how they got to where they are. These clients may find psycho-dynamic, interpersonal, person-centred, or integrative approaches more useful. Likewise, if part of the client’s problems around food and eating have arisen in the context of strained or complicated family relations, family-based interventions may be a good option.

Your GP may recommend medication as either an alternative or to accompany other therapies. While there are no drugs that help specifically with eating disorders, antidepressants or medications for anxiety may be offered.

When used as an accompaniment to talking therapies, medication can be helpful. This isn’t the option for everyone, so be sure to discuss this with your doctor.