Getting Help: Treatment Options

Many complex factors lead millions of adolescents and adults to extreme dieting, many develop dangerous, and sometimes deadly, eating disorders. Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorders are not simply about food and weight but are far more complex. Those with eating disorders desperately attempt to seek approval and acceptance, and may find it, temporarily, through the pursuit of thinness or the comfort of food. The eating disorder is merely a voice through which the body expresses itself and its unmet needs. Underlying issues, current stressors, and biochemical predispositions may cause one to turn to starving, bingeing, purging, or compulsively exercising as a means of coping.

Admitting you have an eating, exercise, or body image problem that requires treatment is a difficult step to take and getting the right help is essential! There are a variety of treatment options available: individual therapy, group therapy, nutritional support, psychiatric care, outpatient, inpatient, residential, etc. Please know that there are resources available to assist you and your loved ones!

You are not alone........

TREATMENT: There is Help Available!

It is generally accepted that the treatment of eating disorders must often involve clinicians from different health disciplines including psychotherapists, physicians, nutritionists, and nurses. Research on the treatment of eating disorders is exploring the various ways in which specific treatments can be matched to specific subtypes of these disorders. The consensus is that good treatment often requires a spectrum of treatment options. These options can range from basic psychoeducational interventions designed to teach nutritional and symptom management techniques to long term residential placements.

Most individuals with eating disorders are treated on an outpatient basis after a comprehensive evaluation. Those with medical complications due to severe weight loss or due to the effects of bingeing and purging may require inpatient treatment or hospitalization. Other individuals, for whom outpatient therapy has not been effective, may benefit from day-hospital treatment, hospitalization, or residential placement. Treatment is usually conducted in the least restrictive setting that can provide adequate safety for the individual. Many patients with eating disorders also have depression, anxiety disorders and other psychiatric problems requiring treatment along with the eating disorder.

Eating disorders are physically and emotionally destructive. People with eating disorders need to seek professional help immediately. Early diagnosis and intervention significantly enhance recovery. If not identified or treated in their early stages, eating disorders can become chronic, debilitating, and life threatening.

Overview- Initial Assessment, Diagnosis, Development of Treatment Plan:

The first step in establishing a diagnosis and treatment plan is the initial assessment. The initial assessment of eating disorder patient involves:

1. Review of patient's history.

2. Review of current symptoms presented.

3. Assessment of physical status.

4. Assessment of other psychiatric issues or disorders such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or personality issues.

What does treatment involve?

The most effective treatment for an eating disorder is psychotherapy or psychological counseling, along with medical and nutritional support and guidance. The treatment should be individually tailored. Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the disorder and the client's particular problems, needs, and strengths.

Psychological counseling needs to address both the eating disordered symptoms and the underlying psychological, interpersonal and cultural forces that contributed to the eating disorder.

-The individual needs to learn how to live peacefully and healthfully with themselves and food.

-Care should be coordinated and provided by a health professional with expertise and experience in dealing with eating disorders.

-Typically, care is provided by a licensed health professional, including but not limited to a psychologist, psychiatrist, nutritionist, and medical doctor.