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Types of Eating Disorders 3

In the first and second parts of our article, we talked about two of the most common eating disorders of today, namely bulimia and anorexia. In the current (and last) part, we will talk about two conditions that can pass as eating disorders on their own, although they are more commonly referred to as springboards for other eating disorders such as bulimia: compulsive overeating and binge eating.

Compulsive overeating and binge eating

Overview

Both eating disorders share a set of characteristics and oftentimes, the line between them is barely noticeable. Both have the individual eating uncontrollably, in large amounts, until they have a sensation of fullness. The difference between the two is what the sufferer feels like after the eating process is over. If he feels guilty, disgusted about his inability to stay away from his addiction for food, then a case of binge eating is present. With compulsive overeating, the sufferer does not always feel guilty about his addiction. Also, with binge eating, the patient will feel a "need" for food, whereas with compulsive overeating the nutritional process is triggered by a "want". Oftentimes, compulsive overeaters will spend hours of their time fantasizing about food and about eating it alone. Binge eaters will tend to want to eat alone because they are ashamed of their addiction and they don't want to be seen by anyone.

Causes

As with most eating disorders, the causes for both binge eating and compulsive overeating are mainly emotional, although a natural tendency to develop them can also be present. Sometimes, the overeating process can be caused by an emotional earthquake such as a sudden breakup. The person developing these eating disorders will either tend to food to soothe his problems, or he will willingly try to gain extra weight so that he will look less attractive in the future, thus not exposing himself for more emotional abuse. Studies show that a family history where such eating disorders have been present may also have a negative effect on how easy compulsive or binge eating settles in.

Effects

Obviously, the first thing a person suffering from compulsive and/or binge overeating will hit himself to is a constant gaining in weight. This has further negative effects on the digestive, cardiovascular and muscular systems and leads to a deranged hormonal balance. Heart problems, ulcers and other similar problems can develop quickly from compulsive and binge eating, but the biggest problem of these eating disorders is that they can quickly turn into bulimia. Especially persons suffering from binge eating, feeling guilty about their addiction and about how they look, will resort to intentional purging through vomiting, enemas, laxatives, or diuretics.

Treatment

Since both eating disorders are emotional and psychological in nature, psychiatric support is required through out the entire treatment process. This will be coped with a strict, balanced diet that the sufferer will have to attend to. If the state of depression of the sufferer doesn't allow him to be cooperative with the psychiatric treatment, anti-depressant medication could also be used at some point.