More About Binge Eating Disorder Treatment Centers

Recovering from a mental health disorder is not an easy path, and binge eating disorder is no exception. It usually comes with multiple potential pitfalls, the least of which is a need for individualized treatment tailored to a person’s unique needs. This is particularly true when the program is geared toward young adolescents whose changing bodies and personalities require more specialized treatment. That being said, multiple binge eating disorder treatment centers are working towards the betterment of people with this underlying disorder that can be the right choice for you or your loved one.

The Need for Binge Eating Disorder Recovery Center: Recognizing the Warning Signs

The first step toward recovery from a binge eating disorder requires the identification of the warning signs. The following signs and symptoms serve as an indicator of joining a treatment program at the earliest:

• Changes in eating behaviors and patterns, such as secretiveness around eating, fluctuating body weight, consumption of large amounts of food, or stealing food
• Developing food-related rituals, such as eating only specific food groups or eating only at certain times
• Embarrassment, guilt, and shame after eating large quantities of food
• Inability to concentrate
• Physical symptoms, such as stomach cramps, weight changes, constipation, and other digestive problems

One of the most compelling reasons to consider seeking help from binge eating disorder treatment centers is the complications arising from obesity. These complications include sleep apnea, heartburn, liver issues, and cardiac abnormalities, which can negatively impact life.

What are the Treatment Goals for Binge Eating Programs?

The answer to this question seems obvious, but it is essential to clarify goals as much as possible when seeking treatment for eating disorders. A rehab with clear and well-established goals can easily monitor the progress along the way and modify the treatment plans accordingly to speed up recovery. 

Related: Best Eating Disorder Treatment Centers 2022

Most binge eating disorder treatment programs at a high-end rehab focus on the following goals:

• Minimize or eliminate binge eating or lessen the frequency of binging
• Recognize and address all mental health concerns related to binge eating disorder
• Learn and practice methods to maintain healthy relationships with food

All roads to recovery need to start somewhere, and binge eating disorder is no different. Treatment is often guided with methods advised by a binge eating disorder specialist. This specialist, along with other multidisciplinary team members, examines the progress by looking at the stated goals for treatment and the current health of the diagnosed individual. Rehab for an eating disorder typically uses the following indicators to track progress:

• Cessation of intensity and frequency of binging
• Body acceptance
• Intuitive eating to promote variety, balance, or moderation
• Enhanced feelings of connection
• The ability to advocate for oneself
• Improved mood
• Resolution of underlying trauma

If progress is not made, experts may adjust the treatment plan to tailor it more to individual needs.

Highly Individualized Binge Eating Disorder Treatment Programs for Better Care

A high-end binge eating disorder treatment rehab uses a multidisciplinary approach to manage binge eating disorders along with all co-occurring conditions with an evidence-based approach. The doctoral-level clinicians and highly-trained members of the staff curate highly customized treatment plans that successfully address each patient’s unique needs, including:

Physical Health

A detailed physical evaluation is performed to assess the nutrition levels and monitor vital signs for overall stabilization. This assessment also rules out any co-occurring medical and physiological conditions and substance abuse.

Emotional Health

As a part of emotional health evaluation, experts assess the client’s history of past traumatic events, stressful life circumstances, personal self-esteem, and relationship dynamics. The treatment program is then tailored based on these results for better emotional regulation.

Mental Health

A mental assessment is carried out to rule out any pre-existing or co-occurring psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Spiritual Health

Many inpatient binges eating disorder treatment programs include holistic approaches to help clients strengthen their mind-body-spirit connection. It includes activities like mindfulness medication, acupuncture, and yoga to rekindle these connections.

FAQs

Who is at the risk of developing binge eating disorders?

Binge eating disorder is one of the most common eating disorders worldwide. It primarily affects women; however, in a lesser proportion, men are also likely to develop it. The only difference is that women mainly develop this eating disorder in early adulthood while men usually acquire it midlife. Binge eating strongly correlates with psychological conditions, such as anxiety and depression, and it is also more prevalent in people with pre-existing emotional health issues.

I tried to lose weight, but it didn’t improve my binge eating disorder. How is joining a rehab any different?

Many people often resort to extreme dieting or weight loss programs to cure their eating disorders. However, such programs mostly fail to provide any noticeable improvement as they do not address the root cause of binge eating disorders. Any strict weight loss commitment without focusing on a behavioral change will only prolong the symptoms and worsen the disorder.

In contrast, a binge eating disorder residential treatment rehab provides comprehensive care at all levels of care to address the root cause of the disorder. It aims to help clients build confidence, skills, and a sense of hope that guides them towards a lasting recovery. For this purpose, these treatment programs take help from individual and group therapy, nutrition education, and emotional support delivered by qualified specialists to ensure success.

What are the levels of care for binge eating disorder treatment?

Most binge eating disorder treatment centers offer different levels of care to best suit the needs of all clients. The choice of treatment depends on the intensity of the issue, associated medical complications, and the presence of other co-occurring disorders.

Following are the levels of care generally available at a rehab:

• Inpatient treatment
• Outpatient treatment
• Residential treatment
• Extended day treatment
• Intensive outpatient treatment
• Partial hospitalization treatment
• Transitional living

As clients move along the recovery path, they can step down these care levels to re-enter everyday life.

Will the binge eating disorder residential treatment involve weight loss measures?

Weight loss is not the focus of treatment in eating disorders rehab because the weight gain secondary to binge eating is a symptom, not a disease. Hence, accomplishing weight loss will not provide lasting recovery or improve the quality of life.  Moreover, restricting diet can often lead to increasing in food binges, worsening the problem even more. Instead, most treatment plans focus on changing people’s relationships with food, gradually leading to natural and safer weight regulation.