Anorexia – Finding Help

Although there are many methods in use to treat anorexia, no method works for every individual. Therefore, before settling on one plan it’s best to check into as many available resources as possible. Fortunately, there are many for both insured and un-insured victims of anorexia.

Who Can Help?

Your Doctor

The first avenue to search for resources is to ask your medical practioner about the availability of treatment facilities, counselors, and support groups in your area. Although most doctors can diagnose the illness, many don’t have first-hand experience in treating anorexia. Still your doctor probably has an index of practitioners and community resources that do.

Crisis Intervention

Don’t hesitate to call your area crisis intervention center if you believe your child or loved-one is developing anorexia. Since a standout trait of the illness is denial and refusal to seek help and the end-result of untreated illness is death, the anorexic individual is in crisis. Your crisis intervention center can open doors that would otherwise be hidden to you. Hotline numbers can typically be found in the yellow pages under “Crisis Intervention”.

School Counselors

With the understanding that privacy is important to the anorexic individual and his or her family, a school counselor can be an excellent resource to help you get on the road to recovery. In addition to being someone whom you can trust with your problem, a counselor can refer you to both medical doctors and other clinicians who are experienced in diagnosing and treating anorexia nervosa.

Community Services

Check with your Chamber of Commerce, local Extension Office, and/or County Nursing Service to find additional programs, plans, and support groups in your area.

Ask Questions – Get Answers

Since the victim of anorexia typically becomes obsessive about weight-gain, the most important factor in finding help is working with a counselor, physician or treatment team that you can trust. Developing trust begins with getting answers to your questions. At your first meeting, don’t be afraid to ask questions and expect satisfactory answers.

Below is a list of a few questions to help you get started:

1. What type of training do you have?
2. Are you a licensed practitioner?
3. Have you experienced success in treating anorexia and is your success documented? 
4. How does your program/plan work?
5. If one plan doesn’t seem to be working, are there other options available?
6. Will treatment involve hospitalization? If so, how long is the average and what types of in-patient treatments do you propose?
7. How do you conduct your sessions?
8. What do I do if I need help between sessions?
9. How much do sessions cost? 
10. What will my insurance cover? What if my insurance doesn’t cover all the costs of treatment? 
11. How long does treatment last?
12. What type of aftercare is available?
13. What do I do if I relapse after treatment is over?

Go the Distance

Anorexia nervosa has been described as “the relentless pursuit of thinness”, but in up to 20% of cases, the chase ends in death. One of the most important factors in putting the brakes on this illness is to find an effective treatment plan. The earlier you find help, the better will be your chances of crossing the finish line and restoring normal weight and health.