If you’ve been diagnosed with binge eating disorder (BED) or suspect you have the condition, you may feel hopeless or overwhelmed about how to get help. Here’s what you need to know about binge eating therapy options.

What Is Binge Eating Disorder?

BED is an eating disorder characterized by eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, and feeling a lack of control over these binge episodes. People who binge do not compensate for their bingeing by taking steps to avoid weight gain from the eating episodes, such as through exercise. Recurrent binge eating may lead to feelings of guilt or disgust. It may also contribute to or be associated with:

  • low self-esteem
  • depression
  • anxiety
  • obesity
  • obesity-related health problems

Types of Binge Eating Therapy

Psychotherapy, behavioral weight loss programs, and medications are common treatments for binge eating disorder. Therapy is individualized and may include one or more treatment methods. There are three common psychotherapies for binge eating that are supported by research. These include:

  • cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT)
  • dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)

Weight loss programs and nutritional education may also be used, and family members may be asked to join you for parts of your treatment.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT is often the first line of treatment of binge eating disorder. CBT focuses on the impact your thoughts have on your feelings. It helps you find ways to act upon those thoughts and feelings.

CBT for BED will primarily work on establishing normative patterns of eating. In other words, your therapist will help you to eat well-portioned meals and snacks at regular intervals throughout the day on a consistent basis. You and your therapist will also work to reduce forms of restrictive eating. This may include insufficient portions or incorporating previously feared foods into your diet.

CBT for BED will also help you to work on body image, or thoughts about your weight and shape.

Your success with CBT is partially dependent on your level of participation. Homework will also be assigned to reinforce concepts learned during therapy sessions.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy

IPT is based on the theory that aspects of your personal relationships are related to psychological issues, including BED. IPT is sometimes used in a group setting.

During your sessions, you will explore positive communication techniques. These are meant to help you better communicate and relate to people in your lives.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

DBT is a type of therapy used to treat people with borderline personality disorders who are prone to self-harm. DBT for binge eating disorder may include a variety of therapy methods, such as:

  • individual therapy
  • group therapy
  • phone therapy

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques, like yoga or meditation, may also be used.

DBT is based on achieving a balance between acceptance and change. The idea is to increase mindfulness of unpleasant emotions and learn skills to cope with them in more effective ways than binge eating.

Homework plays an important role in DBT. Assignments may include journaling or using diary cards to track feelings and behaviors.

The amount of time you will spend in CBT, IPT, or DBT therapy sessions is limited. Usually a person will have a maximum of 20 sessions.

What Medications Are Used to Treat Binge Eating Disorder?

The following medications may be used to treat BED:

  • topiramate (Topomax), an anticonvulsant
  • antidepressants (SSRIs)
  • lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)

How to Find Help

If you think you may be suffering from BED, speak with your doctor. They can help you come up with a treatment plan and refer you to a specialist. It’s important to identify any medical issues that may have developed as a result of binge eating.

If you are uninsured, contact your local hospital for resources. Some therapists provide services to the uninsured pro bono or for a reduced fee. The National Eating Disorders Association Helpline offers guidance and resources to assist you. Psychotherapy is often administered by a therapist during in-person sessions. However, thanks to technological advances, online psychotherapy or telephone therapy is also available.

Know Your Options

Binge eating is treatable, but recovery doesn’t happen overnight. Recovery is dependent on many factors, such as:

  • your relationship with your therapist and medical team
  • your active participation in the process
  • aftercare
  • your outside support system

Your treatment plan may consist of therapy alone or your medical team might determine that medication is also needed. Whatever your healing journey entails, don’t give up hope. If you educate yourself about treatment options and are willing to put in the work, recovery is well within reach.