Eating Disorders - Getting the Help You Need Treatment Conference

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

online conference transcript

Bob M is the moderator.

BEGINNING

Bob M: Good evening everyone. We are ready to start tonight's conference. I hope everyone had a pleasant holiday. Our first conference of the year, tonight, is "Breaking Free From Your Eating Disorder--Getting the Help You Need". We are always trying to focus on doing positive things and offering things to help with recovery. Our guest is Jonathan Rader, Ph.D. Dr. Rader is the Chief Executive and Clinical Director for Rader Programs, one of the nations leading providers of inpatient, daycare, and outpatient eating disorder services. He has worked in the field of eating disorders for over 17 years. His work has been documented in eating disorder journals. Good evening Dr. Rader and welcome to the Concerned Counseling website. Before we get underway with tonight's topic, could you please tell us a bit more about your expertise and the Rader Centers and where they are located?

Dr. Rader: We, at Rader Programs have been treating anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating since 1979 and we currently have two locations, one in Tulsa, Oklahoma and one in Los Angeles, California.

Bob M: I'm going to assume that most people here know if they, or someone they know, has an eating disorder. The question is: how do you know that it's really time to get professional help?

Dr. Rader: That is a good question, Bob. A person really needs to look at the amount of dysfunction the eating disorder has caused in all areas of their life; physical, emotional, social, family, and work.

Bob M: One of the big questions we always get is what kind of treatment should you get. Outpatient, inpatient, or just see a therapist once a week or so. Can you explain the criteria one should use to evaluate that issue?

Dr. Rader: Unfortunately there is not a simple answer to that question. We, at Rader Programs, try to treat the patient with the least restrictive environment; but since eating disorders affect all aspects of an individual's life, the most effective treatments have included the use of a multi-disciplinary treatment team. It is important not to ignore the nutritional, exercise, and physical components of the eating disorder.

Bob M: If you are just joining us, welcome. Our guest is Dr. Jonathan Rader, of the Rader Programs. Our topic is: "Breaking Free From Your Eating Disorder--Getting the Help You Need". Here are a few audience questions Dr. Rader:

Shanna: After you have recovered (symptom free) and you still get the feelings to purge, what are some good ways to get past the feelings?

Dr. Rader: At Rader, we look at eating disorders as an ongoing recovery process . Even though you may no longer be in the throes of your disordered eating, feelings may still come up around eating disorder issues. It is okay to have these feelings and to realize that you did not develop your eating disorder overnight nor will all of the feelings disappear overnight.

Bob M: Is it possible to prevent a relapse, and if so, how?

Dr. Rader: Sometimes relapse can be part of eating disorder recovery. We often say it is important to never be too hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. ( HALT).

Winkerbean: What do you recommend for getting through denial, even after having completed outpatient treatment and still being in denial?

Dr. Rader: We use a process called our First Step. It gives an individual the opportunity to look how their life has become unmanageable because of the eating disorder. The person writes down the first remembrances of their eating disorder up until the present time. Family members and friends are also good at pointing out the dysfunction the eating disorder has caused.

Bob M: I know that various treatment centers have their own focus, or way to recovery. Some offer 12 step programs, others behavioral therapy. How does one determine what would be best for them?

Dr. Rader: According to the APA (American Psychological Association), eating disorder treatment programs must have a multi-disciplinary treatment team and process. It must be able to address the medical, psychological, nutritional, and behavioral issues associated with having an eating disorder. I would recommend not only going with a treatment center that you feel comfortable with, but one that also has a medical doctor, registered dietician, family counselors, and individual counselors.

Bob M: Here are some more audience questions:

Katiebee: My daughter is bulimic. Now she is gaining so much weight. I'm worried.

Bob M: So what's a parent to do in this situation? and really any situation where they are concerned about their child or relative, but that person is in denial or doesn't want help?

Dr. Rader: Weight fluctuations are common in eating disorders. It is important for both of you to get in contact with an eating disorder professional as eating disorders are a family disorder.

Bob M: One of the most difficult things though is actually getting the person to accept the idea of treatment. Can you give us some insights on how to accomplish that?

Dr. Rader: It is important for the person to look at how the eating disorder has affected their life. If they can look at how their lives could possibly improve for the better, they may be willing to accept the idea of intervention.