Pharmacological management of binge eating disorder: current and emerging treatment options

rmacological management of binge eating disorder: current and emerging treatment options Review (2690) Total Article Views Authors: McElroy SL, Guerdjikova AI, Mori N, O’Melia AM Published Date May 2012 Volume 2012:8 Pages 219 - 241 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/TCRM.S25574 Received: 02 March 2012 Accepted: 24 March 2012 Published: 08 May 2012 Susan L McElroy, Anna I Guerdjikova, Nicole Mori, Anne M O'Melia Lindner Center of HOPE, Mason, and Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA Abstract: Growing evidence suggests that pharmacotherapy may be beneficial for some patients with binge eating disorder (BED), an eating disorder characterized by repetitive episodes of uncontrollable consumption of abnormally large amounts of food without inappropriate weight loss behaviors. In this paper, we provide a brief overview of BED and review the rationales and data supporting the effectiveness of specific medications or medication classes in treating patients with BED. We conclude by summarizing these data, discussing the role of pharmacotherapy in the BED treatment armamentarium, and suggesting future areas for research.