Compulsive Overeating
Compulsive Overeating Causes
The cause of the disorder is not specifically known because it may be triggered by a variety of factors such as biological vulnerability, psychological and emotional characteristics, and sociocultural.
Compulsive Overeating Definition
Compulsive overeating is a condition in which an individual cannot resist the regular consumption of unusually large amounts of food. It is also called binge-eating disorder.
Compulsive Overeating Diagnosis
Most people with compulsive eating are overweight. The doctor performs tests and exams on the patient to help diagnose and assess any related complications. An individual suspected with the behavior undergoes a physical examination, laboratory tests, and psychological evaluation. He or she is diagnosed with the disorder based on the criteria set in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Compulsive Overeating Symptoms and Signs
Individuals with the disorder regularly consume large amounts of food compared with other similar situations. They may also manifest various behavioral and emotional signs and symptoms such as rapid eating during binge episodes, depression, anxiety, hoarding food and hiding empty food containers, frequent dieting with no weight loss, and frequent eating alone.
Compulsive Overeating Treatment
Treatment of the disorder focuses on reducing eating binges, improving emotional health, and losing weight, if necessary. Treatment also addresses negative self-image and other psychological issues. Four main types of treating the disorder are psychotherapy, medications, behavioral weight-loss programs, and self-help strategies.