 Compulsive Eating Disorder
Individuals who are afflicted with compulsive eating disorder (which is sometimes also referred to as “emotional eating”) feel that they have no control over when, where, how much, or how often they eat. Compulsive eaters often experience a great deal of shame due to this condition, which may manifest itself by extremely quick eating, the consumption of large amounts of food, a compulsion to eat even when one is not hungry or already uncomfortably full, or non-stop eating throughout one’s waking hours.
Because of the embarrassment that is associated with this condition, many compulsive eaters will refuse to eat in the presence of others – a practice that unfortunately often serves only to compound and exacerbate their sense of personal isolation.
Some episodes of compulsive eating may be the result of “triggers” such as work-related stress, relationship pressures, academic setbacks, or other failures (both real and imagined). Compulsive eaters use food the way that is evocative of alcoholism or drug addiction – they turn to food in misguided attempts to dull emotional pain, hide from life stresses, and avoid dealing with problems in their personal and professional relationships.
Often (but not always) overweight, compulsive eaters may feel stereotyped by societal attitudes toward individuals with weight problems – which can increase their shame and sense of isolation and intensify the nature of their disorder.
Symptoms of Compulsive Eating Disorder
The primary symptom of compulsive eating disorder is that individuals who have this condition feel that they are incapable of controlling what, how, or how much they eat. Compulsive eaters often eat alone, eat virtually non-stop throughout the day, and consume large quantities of sugary foods (which are craved for the temporary mood elevations they may cause).
Akin to the experience of drug addicts or alcoholics, compulsive eaters can also have withdrawal symptoms – both physical and psychological – when they are unable to eat for even relatively short periods of time.
Causes of Compulsive Eating Disorder
As is the case with the other forms of eating disorders that are explored on this site, the causes of compulsive eating remain somewhat mysterious. Addiction, nutrition, and mental health experts believe that compulsive eaters are prompted to engage in this behavior by a complex series of factors both within themselves and from outside sources. Depression, a tendency toward impulsive behaviors, and low self-image can all be contributing factors, as can family history, genetic predisposition, and the impact of societal pressures and life stresses.
Treatment for Compulsive Eating Disorder
Therapy is often the primary component of treatment plans for patients who are suffering from compulsive eating disorder. Depending upon the nature and severity of the condition, treatment may include individual, group, family, and/or marital therapy.
The compulsion to overeat can be a challenging condition to overcome, but therapy that is supplemented by nutrition information, behavior modification techniques, and the establishment of a health support network can help patients to regain control over their lives and pursue considerably happier futures.
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