Treatment of Anorexia
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Treatment of Anorexia
Although there are over 400 different programs that offer treatment for anorexia, there is no single effective treatment for the illness. Each treatment program must be tailored to the individual. The first step in effectively treating anorexia nervosa is correct diagnosis. This means eliminating any suspicions of a physical cause for weight loss.
Effective treatment of anorexia begins with a medical evaluation, but just as important are psychological and nutritional assessments. In addition, family and outside support resources should be considered when developing a comprehensive treatment plan.
Once the illness has been properly diagnosed and a plan developed, there are three main phases of restoring health to the individual:
1. Restoring weight loss
Typically, treatment for anorexia begins with restoring the lost weight. Since many individuals resist treatment and behavior change at the beginning, in-patient hospitalization is frequently necessary. This is especially true in cases where malnutrition has made the illness life-threatening. In addition, studies show that the nearer to normal a person’s weight is at the end of treatment, the better is the chance of successful remission or even full recovery.
In addition to restoring weight, the first phase of treatment may also include dental work to repair damage and minimize future problems and medication to relieve depression and anxiety. However, most experts agree that use of medication should be used only after the individual has recovered significant weight.
2. Behavioral Therapy
Many behavioral therapies are widely used to treat anorexia. Some are singular and others are used in conjunction with others, according to the individual needs of the patient. Some of the most common behavioral therapies include:
- During CBT or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the individual learns to identify and understand irrational beliefs and illogical thinking patterns about body image, weight, food, and perfectionism.
- Family therapy is an invaluable tool that not only teaches an individual’s loved-ones how to help the anorexic, but also teaches them how to cope with anorexia. Family therapy also identifies problems within the environment that may contribute to the illness.
- In addition to providing education about healthy eating, nutritional therapy may address issues of body image, risks regarding the eating disorder, sooth concerns about weight and related irrational fears, and provide the tools for the final stage of treatment.
3. Recovery
Few people recover from anorexia in less than a year. Because recovery is a difficult process that may take anywhere from three to ten years it is probably best to think of it as “remission”.
In the beginning, relapses are common as the patient learns to cope with her or his problems without the familiarity of manipulating diet and weight. However, a relapse is not a failure and a large part of rehabilitation is in persuading the individual to accept that fact.
12-Step and other support programs provide both support and communication between individuals that are at different stages of recovery. They may include family and/or friends or offer support for them through peripheral programs.
The mortality rate of anorexia is sadly between 6% and 30%. However, studies indicate that prompt intervention is the key to successful treatment and recovery. If you suspect that your or a loved-ones dietary practices are becoming obsessive, don’t delay! Seek help today!
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