Effective Treatment Approaches For Binge Eating Disorder

binge eating disorder talk therapy

Contrary to what many people might believe about binge eating disorder, this eating disorder is a severe psychiatric illness that can result in harmful consequences which is why treatment options for binge eating disorder are so critical.

On the surface level, binge eating disorder may appear to be an issue with overeating, or a lack of self-control when it comes to food, but this is simply not the case.

Binge eating disorder is a brain-based illness with strong psychosocial implications. With many complex factors that influence the development of this disorder, comprehensive treatment has been shown to be the most effective form of treatment.

Learning What Treatment Options For Binge Eating Disorder Are Effective

As with treatment for any eating disorder, combining therapeutic treatments that involve nutritional/medical interventions, psychotherapy, medication management and more may help a person with binge eating disorder find recovery.

According to the American Psychological Association, some of the most effective forms of psychotherapy for binge eating disorder treatment include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a form of therapy that helps an individual address thoughts and behaviors about self-image and eating, and Interpersonal Psychotherapy, which helps a person effectively address relationships with others [1].

Comprehensive treatment would include work with various specialists in this field, including physicians, psychiatrists, therapists/counselors, social workers, and registered dietitians. Evidenced-based treatment approaches applied in a clinical and therapeutic setting can support recovery for the person recovery from binge eating disorder.

Addressing Weight Concerns Among Binge Eating Disorder Sufferers

Woman using kettle-bell as Treatment Options For Binge Eating DisorderWhile binge eating disorder can occur and develop in any individual, regardless of their weight, size, or body type, many sufferers may become overweight or obese as a result of binge eating behaviors.

Some individuals recovering from binge eating disorder may be more inclined to focus on “weight loss”, particularly if rapid weight gain has influenced other health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease.

Goals and treatment options for binge eating disorder should always be discussed and analyzed on an individual basis with a professional treatment team who specializes in binge eating disorder, particularly when addressing weight concerns.

Binge eating treatment should essentially help individuals eliminate or reduce binge eating behaviors, improve body acceptance, as well as treat underlying psychological issues, such as mood or co-occurring mental disorders.

If you or a loved one is struggling with binge eating disorder, be sure to connect with a professional to determine the course of treatment most appropriate for you.


References:

[1]: “Binge-eating disorder: What’s the best treatment?”. American Psychological Association, http://www.apa.org/monitor/mar02/binge.aspx


About the Author:

Crystal Karges photo

Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating.

Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.

As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her nutrition private practice.


The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on March 20, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com