Treatment of Binge Eating Disorder
Treatment of binge eating disorder focuses on restoring a healthy relationship with food, addressing emotional triggers, and treating any co-existing mental or physical health concerns. The most effective approaches combine psychological therapy, nutritional support, and sometimes medication.
1. Psychological therapies
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- The most evidence-based treatment.
- Helps individuals identify and change unhelpful thoughts, emotions, and behaviours around food and body image.
- Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
- Useful for emotional regulation and impulse control.
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
- Focuses on relationships, grief, role transitions, and self-worth.
- Trauma-focused therapy
- For those with a history of abuse or significant emotional trauma.
2. Nutritional counselling
- A registered dietitian can help normalise eating patterns, reduce food guilt, and develop structured, flexible eating routines.
- Emphasis is placed on rejecting diet culture, avoiding restriction, and understanding hunger cues.
3. Medication
- Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is approved in some countries for BED.
- Antidepressants like SSRIs may help with mood and reduce binge frequency.
- Always prescribed by a psychiatrist or medical doctor with eating disorder expertise.
4. Group therapy and support groups
- Sharing experiences with others reduces isolation and shame.
- Support groups can be formal (led by therapists) or informal (peer-led).
Access in South Africa:
- Private sector: Access to psychologists, psychiatrists, and dietitians in urban areas.
- Public sector: Limited availability of eating disorder specialists; general psychologists and GPs may provide support.
- NGOs like SADAG and some hospitals offer group counselling or referral pathways.
Treatment of Binge Eating Disorder
Recovery is absolutely possible. With time, support, and consistency, individuals can reduce or eliminate binge episodes and learn to eat and live without guilt or secrecy.
👉 [Next: Complications and Living with Binge Eating Disorder]
