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Haymaker & Haymaker Psychological Services, LLC AD/HD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, Marriage and Family, Underachievement Problems in Relationships Providing care for adults, families, children and adolescents for over 20 years. Stephanie Haymaker, Ph.D. NJ Lic Psychologist, SI 2794 Douglas Haymaker, Ph.D. NJ Lic Psychologist, SI 2793 For More Information, Please Call or See our Websites: www.DrStephanieHaymaker.com NJ Psychologist Lic 2794 www.DrDougHaymaker.com NJ Psychologist Lic 2793 245 Route 22, Suite 305, Bridgewater, NJ 908-429-9300Call for an appointment today!
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WHAT IS BINGE EATING DISORDER? Douglas Haymaker, Ph.D Stephanie Haymaker, Ph.D Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder among adults in the US. According to a national survey, BED affects an estimated 2.8 million people. It is more common among adults than is anorexia and bulimia combined. So if you are struggling with these symp- toms, know you are not alone. The disorder is diagnosed when an individual has recurring episodes of eating significantly more food in a short period of time than most peo- ple would eat in similar circum- stances, with marked feelings of loss of control. Binges are usually fol- lowed by feelings of shame, disgust or embarrassment, and the behavior is often done in secret. This disorder is associated with marked distress, and occurs, on average, at least weekly for three months. More people suffer from this problem than are diag- nosed, because of the difficulty peo- ple have in sharing their problem with family, friends or even their doctors. BED is often associated with anxiety, depression and/or substance abuse. BED may develop at any stage of the life cycle, but often arises in adoles- cence or early adulthood. While more common in women, the issue affects many men also. BED occurs at a similar rate across ethnic and racial groups. There is evidence that genet- ic and biological factors may influ- ence one’s chances of developing this disorder. Why people develop this particular problem is the subject of some debate. Binge eaters often (but not always) have difficulty identifying feelings, limited coping strategies, difficulty with assertiveness and low self-esteem. Paradoxically, sufferers present a confidant, competent face to the outside world, and come home to a private struggle. A common belief is that a lack of will power is at the root of this disorder, but that is a misconception. Although people who are diagnosed with BED do not compensate for binges with purging behaviors such as vomiting, severe dieting, or laxa- tive abuse, they may limit certain foods or develop other unhealthy eating patterns. This sets up a cycle for repeating the pattern, as our bodies are biologically primed to overeat when somehow deprived. No amount of determination can compete with this biology. A com- mitment to regular, healthy meals is an important first step in breaking the cycle. Another important step in exploring recovery from BED involves an increasing awareness of the feelings that trigger the urge to binge. In an over stimulating world, it is all too easy to become disconnected from our inner life. Reaching for comfort food may seem to be a simpler solu- tion. What is initially a calming strat- egy soon becomes a source of addi- tional stress. Binge eating can become automatic. The solution involves learning to identify feelings and look deeper for what is driving unhealthy and unsatisfying behavior. Eating disorders can be a challenge for treatment because of the many ways these symptoms appear. A thor- ough treatment plan involves a thoughtful approach to each patient’s specific needs. Treatment may involve some combination of psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, family and/or group therapy. Medication may be helpful to address the anxiety and depression that may occur with an eating disorder. Getting started is often the hardest part of the process. If these patterns sound familiar, perhaps it is time to take that first step and seek the help that is right for you. Dr. Stephanie Haymaker is a licensed clini- cal psychologist with over 20 years of expe- rience. She is presently a partner at Hay- maker and Haymaker Psychological Servic- es, a private practice setting where your confidentiality is assured, in Bridgewater NJ. For eight years she was a clinical super- visor at the University of Medicine and Den- tistry of NJ, specializing in the treatment of eating disorders. The co-author of Princi- pled Commitment, a guide for marital enrichment, she also specializes in the areas of marital therapy, women’s issues, and therapy with children and adolescents.