Download Binge Eating Disorder - Children`s Hospital Association

Binge Eating Disorder
What is Binge Eating Disorder?
• Eating a large amount of food in a short amount of time
• Feeling a lack of control while eating
• Eating very quickly
• Eating when not hungry
• Eating until uncomfortably full
• Eating while alone
• Feeling bad after a binge (feelings of guilt, shame, disgust or embarrassment)
• The binge episodes occur at least 2 days a week for a period of 6 months.
Treatments of Binge Eating Disorder include:
• Multidisciplinary treatment from physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, and other specialists
• Cognitive behavioral psychotherapy
• Interpersonal psychotherapy
• Antidepressant medication
Methods to help your child reduce binge eating include:
• Developing a regular meal schedule in which your child eats five times a day without skipping meals
and with steady intake at each meal
• Identifying common triggers of stress and negative mood and developing ways to reduce or avoid
them
• Assisting your child in developing better self-control
• Helping your child in identifying, challenging, and replacing negative thoughts related to binging
• Guiding your child through the steps of problem solving when he/she feels the urge to binge
• Refraining from purchasing foods that your child typically overeats
• Modeling healthy eating and exercising for your child
• Avoiding negative comments about your child’s eating habits or their body
• Focusing on giving positive comments to your child in order to help improve self-image
• Reminding your child to take a 20-minute break following eating and prior to seeking a second
portion so that the brain can realize the appetite has been satisfied
For more information regarding these handouts contact:
Wendy L. Ward-Begnoche, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Pediatrics
UAMS College of Medicine
Arkansas Children’s Hospital
1 Children’s Way, Slot 512-21
Little Rock, AR 72202-3591
Ph 501-364-1021
© Ward-Begnoche, 2011