Experiences with Anorexia - Anorexia Causes and Treatments

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

JoO: This sounds weird -- but is it possible to 'walk the walk' and get to a certain point and then step into your own path and stop your healing because it's a safe though painful place to be?

Dr. Brandt: Yes, JoO. I think that is common. Sometimes people get to a place in treatment where they become resistant. They are afraid to take the next steps toward recovery because it is scary to give up what is familiar.

Becca: I have a friend that is showing some signs of an eating disorder, but how can I be sure? She has a list of things that she wants to change i.e..her wrist, her knee, weight in general...long list...but hasn't actually shown signs of not eating, etc.

Dr. Brandt: Becca, it is hard to know what your friend is doing when you are not around. We have had patients who were actually able to conceal their eating disorder symptoms from friends and family for years! The fact that she is so dissatisfied with herself is a sign of a problem.

Bob M: So, how, as a friend or family member, do you confront the person suspected of having an eating disorder?

Dr. Brandt: I think a direct and honest approach is the best method. For example, "I see some things about you that are changing and have me very very concerned. Perhaps we need some help to sort out the reasons that you seem so unhappy with yourself." Open, direct, honest communication of concerns with caring.

Becca: But they get so angry if you say anything. How do you get them to listen?

Dr. Brandt: Unfortunately, anger comes up a lot in people dealing with these illnesses, and in their friends, families, significant others as well. When angry feelings are flaring up a lot, we often find that objective, outside input from a therapist is needed.

Bob M: And so how do you get the person to go to see a therapist, if they are in denial? or do you just have to wait until they are ready?

Dr. Brandt: This is an excellent question and a real life problem. I encourage parents and friends to say things like: "I understand you don't think you have a problem, but people with eating disorders often are the last to know that they do have a serious problem. If you think you are healthy, why not get that checked out by a professional? Your unwillingness to get checked out makes me think that you recognize you have a problem." One needs to systematically confront the patients denial and defenses. If this doesn't work then one needs to assess the persons current degree of illness and risk.

Tiggs2: If you were diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and gained the weight needed, are you still anorexic?

Dr. Brandt: Gaining weight is an important part of recovering from anorexia, but unfortunately, recovery requires more than weight gain. Dealing with the underlying thoughts, feelings, and ideas that led to the starvation is a critical component of recovery.

livesintruth: Dr. Brandt, I'm suffering from a major relapse with bulimia and anorexia tendencies, but have been unable to get the inpatient or residential treatment that is necessary due to insurance reasons. What are some other intensive methods of treatment or is there a way to deal with insurance companies when the situation gets severe?

Dr. Brandt: We work with insurance companies on a daily basis, explaining to them our rationale for treating our patients. We have found that, in many cases, we are able to help them understand the critical need for appropriate treatment.

Bob M: In addition, I believe, the hospital can outline other medical reasons for admission and not the eating disorder specifically as the cause. There are ways to work with insurance companies and the financial counselors at St. Joseph's are experts at it.

JoO: Dr. Brandt -- saying this is all very well, but often it is the parents who are the problem and will not acknowledge therapists as it is shame-based to see a therapist.

Dr. Brandt: Yes, at times family conflict, or issues between parents and children are central. We spend a lot of time trying to convince parents about the need for intensive treatment. But often we have been able to help them "see the light."

Bob M: Good Night

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