How to get the right binge eating disorder treatment from your GP
Altum Health London
Helping people with eating disorders and mental health struggles achieve meaningful change.
By Dr Courtney Raspin
If you’re suffering from binge eating disorder, there may be some very good reasons why you might be struggling to take the first step towards getting help and support.?
It’s normal to feel anxious when reaching out for help, and sadly, binge eating disorder can often bring with it overwhelming feelings of anxiety, guilt and shame.?
Knowing?how?to get the right binge eating disorder treatment will empower you to reach out and get the most appropriate help from your GP.
Some common anxieties you might have about seeking binge eating disorder treatment are:?
In this post, I’m going to share my advice for making sure you know how to get the binge eating disorder treatment you deserve to help you on your recovery journey.
What is binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder is a mental health illness. It’s characterised by eating a large amount of food in a short period of time, while feeling out of control and unable to stop. Sufferers sometimes describe feeling dissociated and ‘out of body’ while bingeing, and episodes are often followed by intense feelings of guilt and shame.
From a medical point of view, the current diagnostic criteria for binge eating disorder?includes:
Misunderstanding binge eating disorder
There are many common misconceptions about all eating disorders, particularly binge eating disorder.?For example:???
Not only are all of these statements false, but they are extremely unhelpful, and it’s essential we continue to put the right information out there and dispel these myths. While most GPs are excellent at offering support, some, unfortunately, are subject to these misconceptions and other unhelpful biases regarding the relationship between weight and health.??
What’s more, binge eating disorder was only added to the DSM as a recognised eating disorder in 2013. The DSM is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is used to classify mental disorders using common language and standard criteria.
Consequently, when sufferers approach their GP for binge eating disorder treatment, they may find:
How to get the binge eating disorder treatment you need
The first step to getting the treatment you need through the NHS is reaching out to your doctor’s surgery.
Advice for booking a doctor’s appointment
The surgery’s receptionist holds the key to you seeing your GP, so it’s important you know how to navigate this path.
When asked for the reason for the appointment, you could say:
2. Sufferers often underestimate the seriousness of their illness, or worry they’re wasting people’s time. Remember, binge eating disorder is a serious mental illness, and you need and deserve to take up your doctor’s time and receive help.?
3. Think about whether you’d prefer to see a male or female GP, and let the receptionist know your wishes.
4. If you’re not familiar with the GPs at your doctor’s surgery, ask the receptionist for their advice. Explain that you’re aware some doctors have a better bedside manner than others, but you’re willing to wait for the right one, if they could recommend a particular doctor.?
Preparing for your doctor’s appointment
Your GP is the gateway to you getting treatment for your binge eating disorder, so once you’ve booked your appointment, prepare for it with the tips below.
Don’t struggle alone
It’s human nature that, when we’re struggling with something and need help, we hope to get the help we’re asking for. When that doesn’t happen, it can leave us in despair and make us question our own suffering. This, in itself, can trigger some of the unhealthy behaviours related to your eating disorder. It’s therefore so important to make sure you’re well prepared for a good meeting with your doctor.?
I hope the tips and advice in this post have given you the confidence to reach out to get the support you need for your binge eating disorder.
Our licensed professional therapists specialise in the treatment of eating disorders. You can contact us to book your free consultation. ?
Chartered Counselling Psychologist
3 年Great advice Courtney. With the right support many people overcome binge eating problems and wished they had got help earlier.