Treat Compulsive Overeating
If you are diagnosed with a compulsive overeating disorder, you must also treat any underlying psychological issues that may be causing this destructive behavior, including depression, past abuses and self-esteem problems. Follow these steps.
Instructions
1. Work with your doctor to develop a healthier pattern of behavior in response to the compulsions you feel to overeat. Your doctor may recommend cognitive or physical behavioral therapy under the supervision of a trained mental health professional.
2. Seek the assistance of a trained dietician experienced in the treatment of eating disorders to help you develop an eating plan which may eliminate the desire to overeat. By creating a regimental eating plan, you can more clearly identify those triggers which might cause you to overeat.
3. Identify other triggers which cause you to overeat by keeping a food and emotions diary. You can review your daily diary with your therapist in an effort to deal with issues which often cause you to turn to food for relief from pain, stress or depression.
4. Treat any secondary conditions which may have been caused by a history of compulsive overeating. Your physician can help determine what course of treatment is appropriate should you suffer from type II diabetes, heart disease or certain cancers which may be caused by compulsive overeating.
5. Find support in numbers by joining a support group such as Overeaters Anonymous (see Resources below). Your doctor can best advise you as to whether you should participate in this kind of group therapy. You may find a support group's tools for recovery and weekly meetings helpful in maintaining good eating habits and healthy attitudes towards to food following your initial treatment.
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