BED Statistics and Treatment Outcomes

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When it comes to eating disorders, more individuals are affected by binge eating disorder (BED) than anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa combined [1].

In fact, BED is more common than illnesses like HIV, breast cancer, and schizophrenia, with research studies estimating that approximately 3.5 percent of women and 2.0 percent of men will be diagnosed with BED during their lifetime [1].

Sadly, many of the individuals who are struggling with BED will not connect to the help and treatment they need for recovery, with research showing that a little over 40 percent of people with BED receive treatment at some point in their lives [1].

Barriers to Binge Eating Disorder Treatment

While BED is a severe psychiatric illness that often requires professional intervention for treatment, many people with this eating disorder have a difficult time connecting to treatment.

This might be due to the fact that BED was only recently formally recognized as a diagnosable eating disorder in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), which was updated in 2013. Prior to this, many insurance companies would not cover the cost of treatment for BED without formal diagnostic criteria.

Even with official recognition of binge eating disorder as a diagnosable eating disorder, many individuals with this illness continue to battle against the stigmas associated with BED. Those who engage in binge eating behaviors that meet the criteria for diagnosis are often perceived as lacking self-control when it comes to food and eating.  However, research has shown that there are many more complex factors related to this psychiatric illness than simple self discipline.

Research studies have found that both genetic factors and environmental components interact to influence personality and behavioral issues related to eating disorder development, demonstrating that there is much more than meets the eye when it comes to BED [2]. In order to address these complex factors, multidisciplinary and comprehensive treatment is needed for BED recovery, including psychotherapy, medical nutrition therapy, and possibly medication management.

Long-Term Effectiveness of Treatment

The good news it that BED treatment can be effective in improving the prognosis of this eating disorder, particularly with early interventions.

Woman in Field of Dandelions

In a five year follow-up study of individuals with binge eating disorder who received treatment, 70 percent were determined to have a good prognosis, with 18 to 20 percent of participants presenting with partial remission, and about 10 percent of cases maintaining the BED diagnosis [3].

This offers tremendous hope for those individuals who have been on the fence about eating disorder treatment or are simply unsure whether professional interventions can make a difference.

If you or someone you love has been struggling with BED, know that professional treatment can help support your journey toward full recovery. The road may not be easy, but it is worthwhile for improving the quality of your life. Connect with a binge eating disorder treatment specialist today!


Crystal Headshot 2About the Author: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC is a Contributing Writer for Eating Disorder Hope.

Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, as a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH and nutrition private practice.


References:

[1]:  National Eating Disorder Association, “Binge Eating Disorder: Overview and Statistics”, https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/binge-eating-disorder Accessed 12 June 2017
[2]: Mazzeo, S. E., & Bulik, C. M. (2009). Environmental and genetic risk factors for eating disorders: What the clinician needs to know. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 18(1), 67–82. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2008.07.003
[3]: Guia Salud Clinical Practice Guidelines for Eating Disorders, “Prognosis of Eating Disorders”, http://www.guiasalud.es/egpc/traduccion/ingles/conducta_alimentaria/completa/apartado11/pronostico.html Accessed 12 June 2017


The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Published on June 15, 2017.
Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on June 15, 2017.
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com