Binge eating disorder – treatment

Many studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy can help with binge eating disorder. Those affected learn to recognize dysfunctional thought and behaviour patterns and to practice alternative problem-solving strategies for negative emotions.

However, interpersonal psychotherapy (improving interaction with other people) or depth psychotherapy (working through psychological conflicts from the past) also have a positive effect. Sometimes it also helps if the family or close caregivers are included in the therapy (systemic psychotherapy). In severe cases, short-term antidepressants can also help in the presence of other mental illnesses.

It is important that those affected find other ways to reduce their negative feelings. At the same time, they should learn to recognize when they are hungry and when it is other feelings that present themselves as “hunger”. People with a binge eating disorder should refrain from dieting to avoid triggering cravings.

In most cases, outpatient therapy is sufficient. However, if treatment is unsuccessful in the case of very severe illness or if there are significant psychosocial stress factors, inpatient treatment in a specialized clinic may also be appropriate.

We also offer MBT group therapy, which takes place every Tuesday in our clinic. The USZ also offers the group course “Weight competence SALZ”.

For patients

You can either register yourself or be referred by your primary care physician, specialist.

Self-registration

For referrering physicians

Simply assign your patient to us online.

University Hospital Zurich
Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine
Culmannstrasse 8
8091 Zurich

Tel. +41 44 255 52 80
Patient registration form

Responsible Department

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