The Different Types of Binge Eating Disorder Treatment, According to Therapists

Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States. Here’s what you need to know about treating this condition.

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Eating disorders impact people of all ages, genders, and races. According to a national report, nearly one in 10 Americans will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime, with the most common eating disorder being binge eating disorder. 

The condition “is characterized by recurring episodes of eating large quantities of food, often quickly and to the point of discomfort, paired with a sense of loss of control,” says Charlie Health Contemplative Practitioner Tairesha “Sunflower” Flemister, LMSW. These episodes are often in response to factors like internalized pressure or emotional distress, says Charlie Health Group Facilitator Bree Williams, LPCA.   

Although eating disorders can be fatal — leading to 10,200 deaths annually, or one every 52 minutes — they are treatable. Read on to learn more about binge eating disorder treatment, including common options, factors to consider, and how to take the first step toward recovery.

Signs of binge eating disorder

Society often associates eating disorders with particular characteristics, like weight loss, creating misconceptions that can be a barrier to care. As Flemister explains, “Binge eating disorder often goes undiagnosed because of stigma, lack of awareness, or the misconception that eating disorders only affect people who are underweight.” Binge eating disorder is not the same as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa — each is a distinct type of eating disorder.  

According to Flemister, binge eating disorder symptoms include: 

• Frequent episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food in a short period of time, even when not physically hungry
• Eating rapidly or to the point of feeling uncomfortably full
• Eating alone or in secret due to shame or embarrassment
• Feelings of distress, guilt, or disgust after bingeing
• Fluctuations in weight or frequent dieting without sustained results
• Avoidance of social situations involving food

Notably, binge eating disorder doesn’t include “compensatory behaviors” like purging or over-exercising that occur with bulimia nervosa, Williams explains. 

How to find the right kind of binge eating disorder treatment

Like any condition, treatment for binge eating disorder varies from person to person. There are a range of factors that can determine which binge eating disorder treatment options are best. According to Flemister and Williams, these are the points to keep in mind and discuss with a medical professional: 

1. Severity of the case

Individuals who experience binge eating disorder symptoms, such as overeating, more frequently and to a greater extent might require more types of intervention — and increased support in general. 

2. Co-occurring conditions

A person also living with behavioral or mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might require specific treatment options.

3. Medical concerns

People with physical conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes must consider the total impact of different treatments and nutrition plans.

4. Age

A young person might require different care and treatment than an adult. 

5. Personal preference

A person might have certain wants based on practical or cultural considerations, want individual or group therapy, or can’t finance specific treatment options.  

Common treatment options for binge eating disorder

“The good news is that binge eating disorder is treatable,” says Williams. Treatment often includes therapy, medical care, and sometimes medication. “A full evaluation by a therapist, physician, and dietitian is often the best starting point to decide the right path,” she adds.

Here’s an overview of common treatment options for binge eating disorder: 

1. Medication

There are a few different medications a person living with binge eating disorder can take. Lisdexamfetamine, commonly known as Vyvanse, is widely known for treating ADHD but is also approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating moderate to severe binge eating disorder. Currently, it’s the only medication approved by the FDA specifically for treating binge eating disorder.

Some individuals might also benefit from taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) if they experience co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression.

2. Therapy 

Therapy can be an invaluable resource for a person experiencing binge eating disorder. According to Williams, there are four techniques to keep in mind. 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): One of the most effective treatments, it helps identify the emotional and thought patterns that trigger bingeing and replace them with healthier coping strategies.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Useful for those who binge in response to emotional distress. It teaches distress tolerance and emotional regulation skills.
• Interpersonal therapy (IPT). Focuses on relationship issues that may be contributing to emotional eating.
• Trauma-informed therapy: Essential when binge eating is connected to unresolved trauma, especially among Black women and other communities of color, where generational trauma and body shame may play a role.

3. Nutrition counseling

A registered dietitian can support individuals in approaching eating habits with a balanced mindset. They can be a critical resource for reducing binge eating and dispelling diet myths.  

There is no shame in experiencing binge eating disorder, and it can take time to heal. “It’s important to remember that binge eating disorder isn’t about willpower — it’s about unmet needs, emotional pain, and learned coping mechanisms that can be unlearned,” says Williams. “For many people, binge eating is a survival tool that formed in times of stress, trauma, or instability. When we approach treatment with compassion instead of shame, we create room for healing.”

How Charlie Health can help 

If you or a loved one are struggling with an eating disorder, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health’s virtual treatment programs, including our virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), provide mental health, substance use, and eating disorder treatment for people dealing with serious conditions. Our expert clinicians incorporate evidence-based therapies into individual counseling, family therapy, and group sessions. With support, managing your well-being is possible. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start healing today.