Compulsive eating is a common eating disorder. It can lead to serious health concerns, such as diabetes and obesity.

Compulsive eating involves a tendency to eat more in a short duration of time, and even if you are not hungry. Stress and other emotional issues may trigger a period of binge eating. During the binge, the person might feel relieved or relaxed but this is usually followed by a feeling of guilt, or loss of control. And the cycle continues.

Signs of Compulsive Eating

The presence of 3 or more of the symptoms may indicate compulsive eating –

• Eating to overcome a sense of emptiness
• Eating faster than usual
• Eating alone due to shame or embarrassment
• Eating large quantities of food even when not hungry
• Eating till you feel uncomfortable and too full
• Feelings of disgust and guilt after eating
• Distress about overeating, weight, and/or body shape

Causes of Compulsive Eating

Compulsive eating may occur due to –

• genetics or family history
• Neurological changes that result in loss of self-control and a heightened response to foods
• obesity
• negative body image
• emotional issues due to traumatic life events, like abuse, loss of a loved one, or bullying

Treatment for Compulsive Eating

The treatment for compulsive eating depends on the reason and severity of the eating habits and individual goals.

Treatment may include –
• changing binge eating behaviors
• managing the underlying factors, such as body image and mental health issues

Treatment options may include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness training, life coaching and in some cases, medications.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help to identify the distorted thoughts and beliefs underlying the negative emotions, and maladaptive behaviors, such as overeating, and weight and body shape issues.

Once the causes underlying negative patterns and emotions have been identified, the psychiatrist can recommend strategies to help you overcome or change the patterns.

Psychotherapy can help by offering a coping mechanism to address unresolved emotional issues, such as grief, big life changes, relationship conflicts, and other problems.

Behavioral therapy may help to resolve the emotional responses to negative experiences. It helps the person regulate the unhealthy emotional responses without binging.

Compulsive eating may result from a wide variety of causes and risk factors. Early detection and treatment are critical to treat this eating disorder and prevent more serious health complications from developing in the future.

If you or a loved one is experiencing compulsive eating, seek help of an integrative psychiatrist who can help you heal holistically so that the you can achieve lasting outcomes and live a healthy, happy life.

If you are looking for an integrative psychiatrist in Los Angeles, reserve an appointment with one of the best rated psychiatrists,Dr. Eric Lazcano or call 310-373-1555 today!