Bottom Line
Diagnosing and managing patients with binge eating disorder (BED) can be challenging because patients may hesitate to seek help, and/or have psychiatric and medical comorbidities. They often present to medical facilities seeking weight loss solutions rather than to psychiatric clinics. Once BED is confirmed, screen for other psychiatric and medical comorbidities. A combination of pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions can benefit some patients with BED, but treatment should be individualized.
Related Resources
- National Eating Disorders Association. NEDA. www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/.
- Safer D, Telch C, Chen EY. Dialectical behavior therapy for binge eating and bulimia. New York, NY: Guilford Press; 2017.
Drug Brand Names
Fluoxetine • Prozac
Levothyroxine • Synthroid
Lisdexamfetamine • Vyvanse
Topiramate • Topamax