Binge Eating Disorder Treatment Options

TALK WITH YOUR DOCTOR

Binge eating disorder can be a sensitive topic, and one that you may hesitate to discuss with your doctor. Perhaps you tried bringing it up before and things didn’t go as you had hoped. Recently, there’s been increased awareness about B.E.D. as a real medical disorder. Now, health care professionals may have more information about the disorder. Your health care professional team may include an MD, PA, NP, therapist, psychologist, or nutritionist who will work together to help manage the disorder. Ask your health care team about ways to manage B.E.D.

How do you talk to your doctor about B.E.D.? You might say:

"I read about B.E.D., could you tell me more?"

It may help to share the details of your binge eating episodes with your health care professional, such as:

How long the episodes last
How often the episodes occur
How much food is involved
What is going on in your life when the episodes take place
How you feel during and after

Learn how to talk with your doctor about binge eating disorder.

NEED HELP STARTING THE CONVERSATION?

It can be tough talking about binge eating disorder—even with the doctor. So we’ve put together some information and helpful tips for you to try that may make it easier to have a more productive discussion with your health care professional.

Download our Doctor Discussion Guide

THE POWER OF PERSISTENCE

Rob found the courage to speak up about his binge eating episodes. Now, he’s speaking out.

Watch his story

B.E.D. Management Options

For adults with binge eating disorder, there are management options available. For some there’s psychotherapy (sometimes called counseling, psychosocial therapy, or therapy). For others, medication or a combination of therapy and medication may be appropriate.

Types of psychotherapy may include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

One of the most widely studied therapies used to treat B.E.D. It encourages individuals to regulate their eating habits by:
- Setting realistic goals
- Using self-monitoring when eating
- Modifying negative self-perception

CBT may also help reduce the frequency of eating binges.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

IPT may be used for those who binge eat to cope with an underlying social problem. It helps individuals recognize this problem so they can better manage negative feelings without turning to food as a way to cope.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT may be used for those who binge eat to cope with a painful emotional experience. It helps individuals develop skills to reduce binge eating habits.

Nutritional Counseling

Nutritional counseling may help reduce the symptoms of binge eating disorder. It may be used by itself or with other forms of therapy. Certain patients may benefit from following programs that focus on decreasing binge eating behaviors rather than weight control.

Remember: Only a health care professional can determine which kind of therapy for B.E.D. is right for you.

“It’s really important to know it’s not your fault, and that there’s help available.”

—JOANNA R.

Watch her story

“I felt like I was finally being understood and heard by someone. I didn’t have to hide it, and I didn’t have to go it alone.”

—JEN K.

Watch her story

Find Support

Find support groups or locate a specialist near you.

Binge Eating Disorder Association

A national organization focused on providing leadership in the recognition, prevention, and management of B.E.D.

National Eating Disorders Association

The leading nonprofit organization in the United States advocating on behalf of and supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders.

Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness

A source of community outreach, education, awareness, and prevention for the various eating disorders.

National Alliance on Mental Illness

The nation's largest grassroots mental health organization, dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

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