Binge eating disorder is characterized by bouts of excessive food intake, or binging, during which a person feels a loss of control. According to the Mayo Clinic, effective treatment for binge eating disorder should lead to reduced binging episodes, improved emotional well-being and, when necessary, healthy weight management. If you believe that you or a loved one may have binge eating disorder, guidance from a qualified professional is encouraged.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy refers to group or one-on-one counseling in which a person's feelings and behaviors are addressed. According to the Mayo Clinic, cognitive behavioral therapy may help those with the disorder cope better with issues that trigger binge-eating episodes such as poor body image or depressive moods. Interpersonal therapy focuses on relationships and feelings regarding relationships with others. If you find that relationships or conflicts with others trigger your binge behaviors, interpersonal therapy might serve as a valuable treatment option. Dialectical behavioral therapy addresses thoughts, feelings and behaviors and teaches healthy behavioral changes that can help reduce binging behaviors and help reverse negative thinking.
If you are considering psychotherapy as treatment for binge eating disorder, seek a comfortable format and trusted qualified therapist for best results. In most cases, patients are given the option of meeting with a group or therapist once for treatment, prior to having to commit to a series of treatment sessions.
Weight Management-Focused Treatment
Since people with binge eating disorder consume excessive amounts of calories, many are overweight. According to the American Psychological Association, experts present various viewpoints regarding treatment programs that involve weight management as a primary aspect of treatment. Some experts believe that those who are clinically obese should address weight loss first and emotional issues once weight management has begun. Others believe that weight loss will occur naturally once the eating disordered mindset and behaviors are addressed.
If you wish to lose weight as a primary aspect of initial treatment for binge eating disorder, therapy that addresses behavioral changes and improved moods and feelings is recommended in addition to weight loss efforts for best results. Keep in mind that the Mayo Clinic suggests that non-medically supervised weight loss programs are not advised for those with binge eating disorder, particularly in severe cases.
Medications
Though a medication specific to binge eating disorder has not been developed, certain medications may help treat symptoms of the disorder. According to the Mayo Clinic, antidepressants may help reduce depressive moods and feelings that trigger binging episodes. Anticonvulsant topiramate (known commercially as Topomax) has been shown to reduce binge-eating behaviors. Anti-obesity medications such as sibutramine (found in Meridia) may help manage symptoms of binge-eating in those who are obese. Since these medications pose an array of potential serious side effects and are not well-suited for everyone, seek guidance and approval from your doctor for best results. Keep in mind that, though medication may serve as a useful tool, it should not serve as replacement for other treatment options such as therapy.
