For years, the term "eating disorder" was seen as being synonymous with anorexia. But more recently, other eating disorders have become more widely recognized. Binge eating disorder is one of these. While practitioners and patients have become much better at recognizing it, there still seems to be an underlying assumption that it's not as serious or does not require such intensive treatment as other eating disorders — and that's not necessarily true. If you have a binge eating disorder, it's a diagnosis to take seriously, which is why inpatient treatment is often the best choice. Here are some key benefits of seeking inpatient treatment for binge eating disorders.
Your coping mechanism will be removed
For most people with a binge eating disorder, food becomes a coping mechanism. When something is bothering you, you binge on food for comfort. If you were to seek outpatient care for your eating disorder, you'd still be able to access excessive food, your coping mechanism, when at home. This can make it hard to move past using food as a coping mechanism. In inpatient care, on the other hand, binge-worthy amounts of food won't be available. This will force you to learn to cope with your feelings and emotions in other, healthier ways.
You can get more help with the underlying causes of your binge eating disorder
Binge eating disorder is often rooted in deep trauma that you have not dealt with properly over the years. It is common for patients with binge eating disorders to also have PTSD, manic depression, anxiety, and other mental health diagnoses. When you are in inpatient treatment, the practitioners can better observe you and arrive at a proper diagnosis. You'll also have more opportunities to work with various therapists, in solo and group settings, to identify and address the underlying issues contributing to your binge eating disorder. This can lead to a longer-lasting, more permanent recovery.
Medical issues can be addressed properly
Binge eating disorders can cause a lot of other health problems, including high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, and diabetes. Being in an inpatient treatment center gives you easy access to doctors who can diagnose and treat these secondary health problems. In outpatient treatment, it can take a lot longer to arrange the various appointments needed for these issues.
If you've been diagnosed with a binge eating disorder, it's time to seek care. Look for inpatient treatment options for eating disorders in your area.