University of Phoenix
Ronda Evans
Professor Catherine Mather-Colcernian
CCMH/551
March 3, 2015
Introduction
This essay will provide an overview of Compulsive Overeating Disorder as well as Binge eating. The essay will define the two disorders as well as provide examples to support the research and findings. This essay will outline current approaches for treating Compulsive Overeating and Binge Eating disorder as well as the theoretical basis for the approaches. Details on how counselor’s can work individually with each client to provide assistance to clients with eating disorders. Information on the different Theoretical Basis of counseling best for treating the disorder as well as recent findings on that particular theory will be stated as well as what the research findings says regarding the different approaches to treating Compulsive Overeating and Binge Eating Disorders.
Compulsive Overeating Disorder
Binge eating as well as compulsive overeating is a mental illness. Compulsive Overeating disorder is described as the consumption of mass quantities of food. Purging of the food consumed usually follows that episode. Clients who are diagnosed with Compulsive Overeating and Binge Eating Disorder have a negative relationship with food. Clients generally obsess over food and eat throughout the day even if hunger is not present. The disorder involves episodes of uncontrollable binge eating, and then eliminating the food through vomiting or use of laxatives. The episodes occur within short periods of time. The time frame for binge eating is one to three times a week and several times a month. Compulsive Eating can last throughout the day and is generally encouraged by an uncontrollable urge to eat. Compulsive eating is triggered by different emotions such as depression, loneliness, sadness, anger and or anxiety. The bingeing episodes can last up to two hours and or throughout the day. This disorder is a food addiction however it is treatable. People with addictive personalities are vulnerable to this disorder. It is very common for the Binge overeating and Compulsive Eating episodes to be followed by self-induced vomiting, excessive exercising, and or fasting for the next couple of days and or hours. The individual usually feels ashamed, disgusted, and worthless for lacking the ability to demonstrate self-control. Uncontrollable episodes of eating mass amounts of high caloric foods with little to no nutritional value are characterized as Compulsive Overeating Disordered. Individuals who suffer from this disorder are more often than not embarrassed, and ashamed of poor eating habits, and or physical appearance, and often eats in secret and consumes normal amounts of food when in public places. The typical client diagnosed with this disorder is generally overweight or obese, with many health issues as well as mental issues. There are few Compulsive Overeaters who have managed to maintain a normal weight while feeding the food addiction.
Signs & Symptoms
The disorder can present in men and women of all ages and typically goes unnoticed by friends and loved ones. Clients have described the sensation that is felt upon binge eating, as a lost of control or a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness. Individuals who suffer from binge eating episodes consume more than 5,000 calories in one setting. One of the major signs of Compulsive Overeating and Binge Eating Disorder is, the inability to stop eating once the sensation of fullness is reached. Eating large amounts of food in a hast, hiding or sneaking food, eating in secret, and eating a normal meal consumption while around others than gorging when in private, are all symptoms of Compulsive Overeating Disorder according to (J. Segal PHD. 2013). Clients who suffer from the disorder usually suffer from some form of depression, anxiety, guilt, and poor body image also known as body dysmorphic. The binge eating episodes are usually followed by a state of depression and