Eating Disorders:
How Are Eating Disorders Treated

How can I get my child started in eating disorders treatment?

The first goal in treating severe anorexia is to put some weight back on. Then, the goals will focus on learning about nutrition and normal eating patterns, improving self-esteem, relating to others, interacting with family, and treating medical and other psychological problems.

Here are some places to start in finding help for someone with an eating disorder. Seeking treatment-this page includes links to information on questions to ask when choosing a treatment provider. Find a Registered Dietician in your area through the American Dietetic Association’s website.

Where To Go To Get Help

Eating disorders are most successfully treated when diagnosed and treated early. Unfortunately, we don't always know where to go to get help for someone we care about.

Who To Contact

If you're a student and worried about yourself or a friend, talk to an adult you trust -- a parent or family member, school counselor, minister, or doctor. If that adult doesn't take you seriously, tell ANOTHER adult until you find someone to help you. You should be worried if the person is exhibiting any of the warning signs of eating disorders.

If you are an adult, get qualified professional help. Call your physician, a registered dietitian, or one of the organizations listed in our resource guide for advice on how to encourage the person to seek treatment. Go with them to see a doctor and support them through their first steps on the road to recovery.

Many communities have a crisis intervention line that you can call for advice on how to talk with the person you're concerned about. They will also have information on the treatment services in your area.

Medical Assessment

If an eating disorder is suspected, particularly if it involves weight loss, the first step is a complete physical examination by a doctor to rule out any other illnesses such as diabetes, thyroid problems, ulcers or viral infection.

Once an eating disorder is diagnosed, the physician must determine whether the patient is in immediate medical danger and requires hospitalization or can be treated as an outpatient. Conditions that warrant hospitalization include excessive or rapid weight loss, serious metabolic disturbances, clinical depression, risk of suicide, severe binge eating and purging, or psychosis.

Finding an Eating Disorders Treatment Program

The complex interaction of emotional and physiological problems in eating disorders call for a comprehensive treatment plan involving a variety of experts and approaches. The most effective treatment for an eating disorder seems to be a team approach that includes an internist, nutritionist, psychotherapist, and a psychopharmacologist (someone who is knowledgeable about psychoactive medications useful in treating eating disorders).

Eating Disorders treatment programs may be either in-patient/residential or outpatient. Treatment needs will vary depending on the length and severity of the eating disorder, and any other related problems such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse or post-traumatic stress disorder arising from sexual or childhood abuse.

Importance of Therapy

To help those with eating disorders deal with their illness and underlying emotional problems, some form of psychotherapy us usually needed. A psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional meets with the patient individually and provides ongoing emotional support while the patient begins to understand and cope with the illness. Group therapy, in which people share their experiences with others who have similar problems, has been especially effective for individuals with bulimia.

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A combination of individual psychotherapy, family therapy and cognitive-behavior therapy -- a form of psychotherapy that teaches patients how to change abnormal thoughts and behavior -- is often the most productive. Cognitive-behavior therapists focus on changing eating behaviors usually by rewarding or modeling wanted behavior. There therapists also help patients work to change the distorted and rigid thinking patterns associated with eating disorders.

Eating disorders are complex psychological illnesses that require complex treatment. It is important that the therapist treating someone with an eating disorder should be trained and experienced in this specialized type of care. Click here to learn about the importance of finding qualified, professional eating disorders treatment help and how to choose the right therapist for you.

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