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From: TT
Published:
Photo: Adam Ihse / TT
Binge eating disorder is a common eating disorder in which you eat a large amount of food often or repeatedly in a short time and without, for example, vomiting or taking laxatives afterwards, as can be the case with bulimia.
The second most common eating disorder, binge eating disorder, does not receive the same resources as the less common, but better-known eating disorders, such as anorexia, even though the need for attention can be just as great.
Lack of knowledge and difficulties in identifying binge-eating disorder make it difficult for patients to receive proper care, according to the National Board of Health and Welfare research on eating disorder care in 2019. Care is also not available in all parties in Sweden.
– There are regions that still do not receive binge-eating patients in specialized care for eating disorders, says Sanna Aila Gustafsson, director of the eating disorders unit in Örebro.
“Falling between the chairs”
Care can be provided in psychiatry, in specialized eating disorder units, in private clinics, and, in some cases, through primary care. There are no national regulations for the care of eating disorders, which means that the possibility of care varies.
In some regions, a referral from primary care is required to reach specialized eating disorder care, which presupposes that staff can identify binge eating disorder.
Other units offer self-referral, a report that you prepare yourself, after which the patient can come in for evaluation. However, if the region has not politically commissioned its eating disorders unit to treat binge eating disorder, patients may be referred back to primary care or psychiatry.
Political decision basis
This may be due to political decisions made prior to 2013, when binge eating disorder became a full diagnosis, leading eating disorder clinics to focus on treating anorexia and bulimia. But according to Sanna Aila Gustafsson, many clinics also fear an increased burden.
– There is an idea that if you receive these patients, there would be many. At the same time, there is a perception that they have a lower need for care than patients with anorexia and bulimia, he says.
But the need for care can be just as great.
– After a binge, you feel extremely bad, not only mentally, but also physically. You are hurting your body. You are at risk for diabetes, stomach problems, obesity, and heart problems. Most people feel guilt, shame and self-hatred, says Thor Rutgersson of the Healthy and Free patient organization.
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