Eating Disorders Treatment Centers - Eating Disorders Treatment

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

David Roberts: Out of curiousity, are most people who go inpatient "forced" into that type of treatment because of their medical condition? Or do they realize things have gotten out of hand and they elect to come in?

Dr. Kerr-Price: Either may occur. Often in the case of adolescents, they might not choose this for themselves but their parents recognize the need. Others, including some adolescents, do see their need for help and desire recovery desperately.

Lost_Count: Is it common to jump from one eating disorder to another. I was bulimic for 12 years and then began seeing a therapist. Though I no longer purge, I still have episodes of binging. How do you break through the cycle?

Dr. Kerr-Price: Switching from one form of the eating disorder to another does happen. Breaking the cycle requires seeking the help needed to understand the issues behind the behaviors and receiving help in making the behavioral changes.

David Roberts: Recovering from an eating disorder on your own -- is that possible or next to impossible?

Dr. Kerr-Price: It is possible but much less likely than receiving help through a team of professionals who can address the different components of the disorder.

David Roberts: Here's an audience comment:

tinyowl: It's possible, moderator, to recover on your own. I was bulimic for 10 years and recovered from it without help

David Roberts: In reference to tinyowl's comment above, I think that's wonderful. But just from my experience here at HealthyPlace.com and doing these conferences, most cannot recover on their own.

David Roberts: Earlier, you were talking about patients needing assistance during meals. Here's a question on that:

becgra: What type of assistance during meals?

Dr. Kerr-Price: Sometimes people become very distressed when trying to eat a meal because of the fears they have around food. So, assistance can include talking them through it, encouragement, distraction, etc. Also, it may entail helping the person recognize what she does with her food, like cutting it into small pieces ( a food ritual), or eating her meal at too quick a pace.

tator: What about the medical aspects of treatment? I have a juejostomy tube and am wondering about medical support that is needed?

Dr. Kerr-Price: Our treatment includes the help of a primary care physician who can assess everything from heart functioning to vital signs, to liver functions, kidneys... The list goes on. Since I am not an M.D., I am unable to answer the second portion of your question.

David Roberts: Do you have people who come to Remuda and are treated for medical problems as well as psychological issues or are the medical issues handled at a medical hospital?

Dr. Kerr-Price: Definitely. Often eating disorders create physical problems that need to be addressed. In the instance of someone who is severely medically comprimised, say to the point of not being cleared to travel here, then she would go to a medical facility first for stabilization.

David Roberts: I'm getting some questions on how to contact Remuda Ranch. Here's the link: http://www.remudaranch.com Their phone number is 800-445-1900. I'm sure they would be happy to answer any questions you have about their center, etc. Remuda Ranch is in Arizona, but people from all over the country go there for treatment.

Galiena: What about the families of these girls/women? Are there support for them while their loved ones are in your facility? Places to stay, etc?

Dr. Kerr-Price: For our adolescent and adult patients, they and their families get to experience a "family week" which is an important piece of treatment so that family is included in the process. Also, adolescents have weekly teleconfereces with their families and therapist to deal with issues.

Lost_Count: Is there a waiting list to enter your program?

Dr. Kerr-Price: Often yes, but the length does vary so sometimes, the wait may be less. For instance, currently we have some space available.

dancer81: The doctor said that they currently have space available. I was wondering how lenghty the process is to be accepted into their program and if that takes a long time to do?

Dr. Kerr-Price: The process may vary for different families but I do know that, sometimes, people come very soon after the initial call is made to us.

David Roberts: Dr. Kerr-Price, does one need to be referred by a therapist or medical doctor to get into a eating disorders treatment center or can one self-refer?

Dr. Kerr-Price: One can self-refer.

angelface_dee1: Have you ever seen anyone actually recover?

Dr. Kerr-Price: Yes, I have known many individuals who once had eating disorders and are now symptom-free.