Psychological therapies play a central role in the management of binge eating disorder, focusing on addressing psychological factors rather than weight loss as a primary goal 1.
For adults, guided self-help programmes using cognitive behavioural self-help materials are recommended initially, with brief supportive sessions to enhance adherence 1.
If guided self-help is unacceptable, contraindicated, or ineffective after 4 weeks, group cognitive behavioural therapy for eating disorders (CBT‑ED) should be offered, typically consisting of 16 weekly sessions focusing on psychoeducation, self-monitoring, and identifying binge triggers 1.
Alternatively, individual CBT‑ED can be considered, usually comprising 16 to 20 sessions, which develop a formulation of psychological issues, address emotional triggers, and include monitoring of binge episodes and dietary intake 1.
It is important to advise patients not to attempt weight loss during treatment, as this can trigger binge episodes, and to focus on stopping binge eating as a primary therapeutic aim 1.