Most people recover from binge eating disorder with the right treatment and support. But it may take time.
The main treatments for binge eating are:
- guided self-help programmes
- a type of talk therapy called cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Binge eating disorder often causes weight gain. This can lead to other health difficulties. But you should not try to diet while you are having treatment. This is because it can make your binge eating worse.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is offered by most community mental health teams (CMHTs).
It can help you:
- recognise unhelpful patterns of behaviour
- manage difficulties by thinking in a more balanced way
Your therapist will help you:
- plan out the meals and snacks you should have during the day, to help you take up regular eating habits
- work out what is triggering (causing) your binge eating
- change and manage negative feelings about your body
- stick to your new eating habits so you do not relapse into binge eating
You should not try to diet while you are having treatment. This can make it much more difficult to stop binge eating.
CBT-E
CBT-E is a form of CBT. It has been created specifically for eating disorders and their difficulties. For example, distorted thinking about shape and weight or perfectionism.
Eating disorders self-care app
The eating disorders self-care app from the HSE and Bodwhys contains:
- self-help tips, including mindfulness exercises
- information on treatment
- recovery stories
- a planner which includes a place to set goals and write a journal
You can access the app in your device's browser. You do not have to download it, but you can save it to your home screen or bookmark it.
Medicine
You may be offered an antidepressant such as fluoxetine (Prozac) to treat BED.
Antidepressants normally work better with CBT or self-help treatment to help you manage other mental health difficulties, such as:
Antidepressants are rarely prescribed for children or young people under 18.
Getting support
The following organisations provide information and support on BED:
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE