Eating, excessive indulgence
Alternative names:
binge eating; recurrent binge eating
Home care:
Take measures to reduce stress and improve overall health.
Medication is usually not necessary for this disorder; however, antidepressants, as prescribed by the doctor, are sometimes helpful. Supportive care and psychotherapy are recommended. Individual, group, family, and behavioral therapy may provide some help.
Call your health care provider if:
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. A history of the eating patterns may be sought from one or more family members because the affected person may not acknowledge that they are binge eating.
Medical history questions documenting binge eating in detail may include: - How long has this been occurring?
- Are "purge" behaviors (such as self-induced vomiting or laxative abuse) also present?
- What other symptoms are also present?
Possible diagnostic tests include blood studies such as electrolyte levels.
Intervention:
Behavior is usually controlled with counseling, biofeedback training (a process of monitoring body functions and altering these functions through relaxation), and individual or group psychotherapy.
After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to excessive eating, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.
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