Binge Eating Disorder Treatment and Medications

Having the uncontrollable urge to consume large amounts of food in one sitting is one of the symptoms of binge eating disorder. This disorder affects about 30 million Americans and can negatively impact a person’s quality of life. Let’s take a more in-depth look at what binge eating disorder is and what can be done to treat it.

What is binge eating disorder?

Binge eating disorder is a type of eating disorder that’s characterized by the frequent consumption of large amounts of food. People with a binge eating disorder know they’re consuming too much food and that they have poor eating behaviors but are often unable to stop their behavior in the moment. Everyone overeats from time to time, but those with binge eating disorder will frequently eat unusually large amounts of food in a short amount of time and tend to have negative feelings of shame or guilt afterward.

According to the National Eating Disorders Association, binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States. It has the highest lifetime prevalence of eating disorders (5.5% compared to 2% for bulimia and 1.2% for anorexia), and nearly 3% of adults will experience binge eating disorder at some point in their lifetime.

The good news is that binge eating disorder can be successfully treated with medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. People who receive treatment will have a better quality of life, improved body image, and more control over when, how, and what they eat.

How is binge eating disorder diagnosed?

It’s not exactly known what causes binge eating disorder, but doctors and researchers think it may be a combination of factors such as genetics, social pressure, depression, anxiety, and dieting. Anyone can develop binge eating disorder, but those with the following characteristics have a higher risk of getting it:

• Exposure to mental or emotional abuse

• Growing up around family members with unhealthy eating habits

• Anxiety or depression

• Low self-esteem

• History of significant weight changes

In order to be diagnosed with binge eating disorder, certain symptoms must be present that may include:

• Recurring and frequent binge eating sessions where unusually large amounts of food are consumed quickly

• Fluctuations in weight

• Hoarding food

• Low self-esteem

• Eating alone

• Having specific food rituals

• Feelings of shame, guilt, or depression after bingeing food

Unlike someone with bulimia nervosa, a person with a binge eating disorder won’t perform behaviors after bingeing to avoid weight gain. People with bulimia nervosa will often purge, use laxatives, or extremely restrict their calories to compensate for bingeing.

A primary care physician can diagnose binge eating disorder but may refer their patient to an eating disorder specialist or therapist if necessary. If you think you have a binge eating disorder and are going to the doctor, here are some questions you might get asked:

• How often do you eat large amounts of food in a short amount of time?

• Do you ever feel depressed or anxious?

• Does your weight go up and down?

• Do you often eat alone because you’re embarrassed about how much you’re eating?

• Do you feel guilty or ashamed after bingeing?

• Do you purge or restrict your calories after bingeing?

To make sure you’re prepared for your appointment, it may be useful to have some questions in mind to ask your doctor. Here are some ideas:

• What are the best treatment options for binge eating disorder?

• Will binge eating disorder affect me for my whole life?

• How can I avoid triggering my binge eating?

Binge eating disorder treatment options

Even though less than half of those with binge eating disorder will receive treatment, it can help people regain control of their lives if properly utilized. Many people will be cured of their binge eating episodes over time if they follow a strict treatment plan.

Treatment will often involve a combination of the following:

• Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy helps people form better habits and deal with negative emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps people control their behavior, improve their self-image, and regulate their eating patterns. Other types of psychotherapy, such as dialectical behavior therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), can help people control their food intake in a positive way.

• Lifestyle changes: Some habits, like eating breakfast, can help people with binge eating disorder control their urge to eat large amounts of food.

• Medications: Medications for binge eating disorder may include antidepressants and anticonvulsants.

Once someone is diagnosed with binge eating disorder, their doctor will help them come up with a treatment plan based on their age, weight, medical history, and the severity of their symptoms.

“Treatment of binge eating disorder needs to be holistic and comprehensive,” says Elizabeth Wassenaar, MD, an eating disorder specialist with the Eating Recovery Center in Denver, Colorado. “People with binge eating disorder need to be treated by a team including physicians, mental health providers, and dietitians. Treatment includes addressing co-occurring mental illness when treating binge eating disorder, examining underlying and maintaining factors of the eating disorder, including trauma history, developing a consistent eating pattern that supports nutrition with a binge eating disorder informed dietitian, and addressing co-morbid medical concerns that may impact one's ability to engage in treatment or recovery.”

Binge eating disorder medications

There are many different kinds of medications that can help treat binge eating disorder. The following medications are the most commonly prescribed.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are sometimes prescribed to help treat binge eating disorder because they help improve overall mood, which may help control binging. There are several different types of antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), and Zoloft (sertraline) are examples of commonly prescribed antidepressants. Antidepressants may cause side effects like dizziness, fatigue, or headaches.

Anticonvulsants

Anticonvulsants are a group of medications commonly used to treat seizures, but they can also be used to treat bipolar disorder, neuropathic pain, and, in some cases, binge eating disorder. They work by decreasing hyperactivity in the brain and include medications like Topamax (topiramate). Anticonvulsants may cause serious side effects such as memory problems, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.

Central nervous system stimulants

Central nervous system stimulants increase attention, alertness, and energy. The central nervous system stimulant Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is the first medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat binge eating disorder. It’s thought to help control impulsive behavior that leads to bingeing. Vyvanse may cause side effects like nausea, dry mouth, and headaches.

What is the best medication for binge eating disorder?

The best medication for treating binge eating disorder will vary for each individual based on his or her medical history, age, weight, response to treatment, and overall health. Medications that a patient is already taking may affect which drug he or she is prescribed.

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Best medications for binge eating disorder