Treatment For Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are complex illnesses that require professional treatment, and recovery can be a very long and difficult process. Generally, the earlier the eating disorder is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances are for recovery.
Unfortunately for many people with eating disorders, the psychological symptoms can affect thinking and judgment so intensely that they do not want to admit they are ill and may not even want to get better. This kind of resistance is very common, especially in the early stages. However, ignoring the problem or avoiding seeking help is actually self-destructive behavior which can cause things to get worse, eventually leading to medical and psychological instability. This makes it crucial for parents and loved ones to help with finding and initiating treatment for those who cannot help themselves. In other words, please do not believe that your loved one is "just going through a phase" or will be fine because s/he does not want help - it is important to seek professional help at the earliest signs of an eating disorder.
How are eating disorders treated?
Because eating disorders affect both emotional and physical health, a specialized treatment plan is usually required. Comprehensive treatment for eating disorders involves medical, psychological, and nutritional care. Your therapist can help coordinate medical and nutritional services with other eating disorders specialists and with your doctor or pediatrician if necessary.
Outpatient Treatments
Outpatient treatment is a good start for those who are medically stable, do not need more intensive monitoring and are able to talk to someone about what is on their mind. It consists of individual therapy with an eating disorders specialist and may also include family therapy, and/or group therapy when appropriate. There are many different kinds of outpatient treatment for eating disorders because there is no one approach that works for everyone. Generally, a comprehensive approach that includes working with a medical doctor and dietician is recommended, especially for those who may be near the point of needing residential care or hospitalization. There are also many therapeutic approaches to address the eating disorder symptoms and causes, including interpersonal therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Many eating disroders specialists use a combination of these and other approaches depending on the person and the presenting issues.
Hospitalization/ Inpatient Treatment
People with eating disorders may begin treatment with a medical hospitalization if they have major medical complications due to extreme malnutrition, weight loss, purging, or other symptoms. Hospitalization with round-the-clock medical monitoring will be required until they become medically safe.
After hospitalization, the treatment can be continued with outpatient therapy, where the patient and possibly the family (in family therapy) attend psychotherapy sessions on a regular basis. If outpatient treatment does not seem to be working, more intensive treatment can be found in a partial-hospitalization or in a long-term hospital or residential treatment program. A combination of programs is often used to treat eating disorders as the patient’s condition gradually becomes less severe. For example, a person with anorexia nervosa may be admitted to the hospital, and on release may move back home and attend a partial hospitalization program or begin attending regular “outpatient” therapy sessions on an individual or family basis (or both).
Partial Hospitalization Programs
Sometimes called “Day Programs”, Partial Hospitalization Programs are often similar to residential programs, except that the patient lives at home and comes to the facility all day on a daily basis. These programs are sometimes run by centers that also have inpatient or residential care, but can also be offered through individual clinics. Like residential programs, there are many programs available, but only a limited number treat patients under 18.
Residential Treatment Programs
Long-term hospital or residential treatment programs are live-in centers that provide extensive psychological and nutritional services in a closely monitored environment. These programs usually require a 2-3 month stay, although each program varies in length. There are a number of residential treatment centers across the country; however, there are also a limited number of these programs available for those under 18 years of age.
Some programs may have more structure than others, and some may focus give more individual care than others. Some residential treatment centers may also have religious or 12-step program philosophies for recovery. To find out the details of each treatment center, you will need to contact them individually.