Introduction	Complications
	Signs and Symptoms	*Treatment
	Causes	Prevention
	Risk Factors	Self Care
	Seeking Medical Advice	Coping Skills
	Screening & Diagnosis	Emotional Coaching

The goals for treatment of binge-eating disorder are to reduce eating binges and, when necessary, to lose weight. Because binge eating is so entwined with shame, poor self-image, self-disgust and other negative emotions, treatment also needs to address associated psychological issues.

Research shows four types of treatment in particular may be most effective. They are:

Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, whether in individual or group sessions, can help teach people how to exchange unhealthy habits for healthy ones and reduce bingeing episodes. It teaches you how to monitor your eating and your moods, develop problem-solving skills and learn how to respond to stressful situations. Psychotherapy can also help improve relationships and mood.

Studies show that a few types of psychotherapy in particular may be effective. These are cognitive behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy and dialectical behavior therapy — an intensive type of therapy that focuses on learning how to more evenly regulate emotions. For children with binge-eating disorder, family therapy also may be beneficial. 

Medications
There's no medication specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat binge-eating disorder. However, studies show that several types of medications may be helpful, including the group of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), certain appetite suppressants and certain anti-seizure medications, such as topiramate (Topamax).

Behavioural Weight-Loss Programs
More so than psychotherapy, weight-loss programs focus on losing excess body weight. They're typically conducted under medical supervision to ensure that nutritional requirements are met. Some programs are known as very low calorie diet programs because they include an initial period of strict calorie restriction for fast weight loss.

Weight-loss programs may also address issues that tend to trigger binges, but often to a lesser extent than psychotherapy does. However, weight-loss programs, especially those that are not medically supervised, may not be appropriate for everyone with binge-eating disorder. These programs typically aren't recommended until the binge-eating disorder is treated. Very low calorie diets can trigger more binge-eating episodes — only serving to make the condition worse.

Self-Help Strategies
Some people with binge-eating disorder find self-help books, videos and support groups effective. Some eating disorder programs offer self-help manuals that you can use on your own or with guidance from mental health experts.

Some studies show that people with binge-eating disorder may see an improvement in their symptoms simply from the process of seeking help, even if they aren't given a specific treatment.

For example, they may see a reduction in their symptoms if they receive a placebo instead of an actual medication. Those responses are what drive some experts to conclude that binge-eating disorder shouldn't be classified as a separate and specific mental illness.