Eating Disorders Hospitalization - Hospitalization for Treating Eating Disorders

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

Bob M: For those of you just coming in, we mentioned earlier that Sarah was manic binge-purging to the extent her parents had to chain the refrigerator closed and lock the cabinets. Again, thank you for being here tonight, for being an inspiration to many. We all hope Sarah is able to recover and move on in her life.

Rick Huddleston: Manic binge-purge. I haven't thought of it quite that way, but it seems appropriate.

Donna Huddleston: All of the girls in program ( I say girls, but as of our last trip ranged from Sarah's age to 33, average age 20) told us how lucky we were to get her into treatment early. I just pray it works.

Rick Huddleston: I just hope that others can be helped. There is so little information on the parents side of this, and what the toll on the family is. Perhaps a topic for a future session?

Bob M: I think that's an excellent idea Rick and I plan to do that in the near future. Thanks again for coming.

Bob M: Before I move on, I also want to mention, that Rick and Donna said they were thankful that Sarah was able to get treatment relatively early on. That she didn't suffer with her eating disorder for years before getting treatment. That is so critical. If you've been to our other eating disorders conferences, you know our expert guests, like Dr. Harry Brandt, from the St. Joseph's Center for Eating Disorders, always stress how much easier and more effective the treatment is when you get it early on.

Rick Huddleston: One final comment from me. It is imperative that the patient admits and seeks eating disorders treatment. As with all addictions, if Sarah did not recognize it, there is no way she could be treated by anyone.

Bob M: We have a second guest coming, so please give me one minute to take a break. Our next guest, Diana, has been out of hospitalization and free from her eating disorder for 3 years. She'll be detailing her experiences and taking your questions in a moment.

Bob M: Our next guest is Diana. Diana is 24. She suffered from anorexia, then with bulimia for nearly 6 years, before checking into a residential treatment facility as a last-ditch effort to deal with her eating disorder. When she came out 8 weeks later, it was the start of a new life for her. Good evening Diana and welcome to the Concerned Counseling website.

DianaK: Hi Bob. Thanks for having me. I was here when Rick and Donna were talking. What amazing people! But you made a good point Bob. I think many parents would do what they did for their children. I remember when I was 16 dealing with my situation, I was afraid to tell my parents. Afraid they would be angry, I would be punished in some way, or rejected by them. And I speak with many kids today and I tell them that's because you are angry at yourself for having the eating disorder and you project that your parents will be angry too. In most instances, parents care about their children and will do anything they reasonably, and even beyond reason, that they can do to help. It is very painful for them too.

Bob M: Please tell us very briefly what your condition was like before you checked into the treatment center.

DianaK: I was in very bad shape. I had been a restrictive anorexic for 2 years, before moving onto bulimia, and then thinking, like most of us do, that I could control it. I soon found that I had both and was completely out of control. I know everyone in the audience can't see me in person, so I'm going to mention that I'm 5'-6" and now 130 pounds. I was all the way down to 87 pounds. If that tells you anything.

Bob M: What was it like the first day you went through the doors at the treatment center?

DianaK: I was scared out of my mind. I didn't know what to expect. I was 20 years old. My parents forced me in. I didn't want to be there, but I knew deep inside I had to be. There was a lot of paperwork to fill out. Fortunately, my parents had insurance. Most of the $45,000+ was covered. I think my parents paid about $5,000 from their own pockets. When you get there, it's different from what you might imagine. It was a very nice place. Clean, very residential, like home. I sort of imagined the old movies, where they lock you up inside with the "crazies" and you never get out.

Bob M: Did you start therapy right away?(therapy for eating disorders)

DianaK: I guess you can call it that. The dr. and nurses come out to greet you and then there's that scary moment where you say goodbye to your parents and they begin taking you back into the hospital wing. You just want to grab on and say, "don't leave me here". I met my roommate and like where Sarah is, they had a rule. If you don't eat, you don't stay. So for the first night, I ate very little from my plate. But at least I ate.

Bob M: What was the most helpful part of being in-patient vs. out-patient...seeing a therapist at his/her office.

DianaK: Let me tell you this, and everyone who has an eating disorder knows this: it's like heroin, you will do anything to continue the eating disorder. You will lie to everyone. Tell them whatever they want to hear. I found myself at my worst point, fighting for my anorexia and bulimia. Can you imagine that?! I wanted it so bad, I fought for it. Being inside the treatment center, they were very strict and constantly watched over me. But that's what I needed to break my habit. And they also gave me constant support throughout the day. There were private therapy sessions and group sessions and meetings with the nutritionist and my therapist. So, I was kept pretty busy.

Bob M: Here are a couple of audience questions Diana:

Trina: Huh? So that was helpful- lying in therapy was helpful?

DianaK: Good question Trina. No. It was not helpful. I was only hurting and fooling myself. I guess the point I was trying to get across, is that for some of us out-patient is not enough. If your eating disorder has grabbed a hold of your life and visiting a therapist one or two days a week isn't enough, then you need in-patient treatment.