Treatment Issues With Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa will not just go away on its own, no matter how much we wish it would. If you think someone may have an active eating disorder, seek help from a qualified professional immediately. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment greatly improves chances of recovery.
Although you should not try to "cure" or treat someone with anorexia nervosa, there are things you can do to encourage them to seek professional treatment.
- Learn as much as you can about eating disorders so you can help them understand their problem.
- Contact a qualified professional for advice on the best way to approach the person you're concerned about.
- Keep telling them how much you care and how frightened you are about the way they are risking their health.
- Provide information about eating disorders and the danger to their health to convince the ill person to get help, stick with treatment or return to treatment.
- Encourage them in any effort they make. Be persistent without becoming a nag.
- Seek out a family support group for yourself.
Treatment approaches
Anorexia is a complex illness and requires careful treatment. A multidisciplinary treatment approach appears to be the most effective method of treating anorexia.The team should be able to address the medical, psychological, dental, psychiatric, and nutrition needs of the patient. The multidisciplinary team should include professionals who specialize in the treatment of persons with eating disorders.
Treatment may include individual psychotherapy, group therapy, nutritional counseling, peer support groups, medication, and behavioral therapy. Treatment programs take several forms:
- In-patient /Residential treatment: for patients who require close monitoring or medical treatment, or who do not have access to out-patient treament programs in their own community
- Out-patient treatment: for patients who are able to remain in their own homes during treatment without risk to their health
Hospitalization
While outpatient treatment alone is sufficient for the recovery of most individuals, severely anorexic patients (more than 20% below average weight for height) may require hospitalization. The immediate goal of hospitalization is to ensure adequate nutrition for the patient to remove them from immediate physical danger.
Conditions warranting hospitalization include excessive or rapid weight loss, heart abnormalities, metabolic imbalances, clinical depression or risk of suicide.
Family involvement
An eating disorder is no one's fault; however, it is essential that the patient and the family learn to communicate verbally rather than through food.The treatment team should involve the patient's family throughout treatment to help the family understand treatment goals and to learn about the eating disorder and the functions it serves for both patient and family.
On-going recovery
Even after the end of treatment, outpatient follow-up is extremely important and should provide a seamless transition and sustained contact with the patient. Many patients benefit from participating in self-help groups during their on-going recovery.
Learn more about anorexia nervosa
Symptoms and Signs
WHEN IT'S SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT | TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
TO LEARN MORE | DISORDERED EATING MAIN PAGE
BACK TO HEALTHWORKS | RETURN TO TV HOME PAGE
© 1999 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.