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What are the treatments for eating disorders?

If you have an eating disorder, it is important to realize that treatment is a critical step towards successful recovery. As stated in the sidebar above, sixty percent of people with eating disorders who receive treatment recover and go on to enjoy full lives. Without treatment, up to twenty percent of people with serious eating disorders die. Individuals who try to stop on their own have incredible difficulty and often return to the disorder.

The sooner you acknowledge your eating disorder and seek help, the better your chance for recovery. Seventy to eighty percent of people who receive treatment respond positively, and although relapses can occur, treatment provides a foundation for full recovery.

Treatment for an eating disorder will consist of a number of components, which include:

• Comprehensive Assessment
  • Physical exam - A full assessment will start with a physical exam to assess an individual’s current state of health and to uncover any immediate health risks.
  • Nutritional counseling - The nutritionist will work with the patient on an eating plan, and, hopefully, provide them with knowledge and information about healthy diet and nutrition.
  • Psychiatric evaluation - A review by a mental health professional is important for understanding the patient’s mental and emotional state and should include a review of the patient’s family history and personal background. Oftentimes, a person with an eating disorder may have suffered some form of trauma or abuse or be suffering from another psychiatric disorder.
• Coordinated Care Plan – A coordinated care plan will outline the interaction of different types of therapy and care for the patient. Each patient’s plan should suit their disorder, current state of health and mental outlook. Treatment should include a psychiatrist or psychologist, a nutritionist, a doctor, and perhaps a family therapist if family issues are involved. Treatment may initially focus on establishing healthier eating patterns and stabilizing health problems first, and then move on to treat the affiliated family and psychological problems.
• Psychotherapy – Some type of counseling or therapy should be incorporated in the treatment plan for an individual with an eating disorder. Oftentimes, family or group therapy is recommended in addition to individual therapy.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy – This type of therapy focuses on helping the patient change their thinking and the behaviors that result from their thinking. Therapy might focus on self esteem issues as well as rigid definitions of beauty as it relates to weight and body type.
  • Interpersonal therapy – Interpersonal therapy focuses on a patient’s relationships and life situation.
• Inpatient treatment or hospitalization – If a patient’s health is at risk, inpatient treatment may be necessary. Treating the health and malnutrition issues immediately is vital, and a live-in center or hospital will allow more complete control over the beginning of the recovery process.
• Medication – Medication is commonly used for the treatment of bulimia and sometimes in the later phases of recovery for anorexia.

taken from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/eating_disorder_treatment.htm

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