Eating disorder treatment takes many forms, some of which depend on the eating disorder. Many of those with eating disorders do not seek treatment: Either the person is not in conflict with the symptoms of his or her disorder (as is often the case with anorexia nervosa), or the shame of the problem is very close to the surface (more likely with bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder). This is unfortunate. Eating disorder treatment may not always be easy, but finding good care and engaging in it is rewarding -- and sometimes lifesaving.
Beginning Eating Disorder Treament
Getting a start on eating disorder treatment can be daunting. A person might locate a psychotherapist to get an initial opinion, particularly because it can be a safe place to bring difficult matters. Or perhaps a dietitian is appropriate when a person gets tired of the way he eats. Eating patterns are often health concerns as well; this may prompt a visit to a doctor, often a general practitioner. In some cases, consulting a psychiatrist is a good choice. There is no "right" first step. Taking the first step is what's important. Once you find a trusted professional, you usually have an avenue to other forms of treatment that you may need.
Gathering the Right Eating Disorder Treatment Professionals
And several forms of treatment are often required to deal with eating disorders, since they have psychological, emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms. Because of this, it pays to have a team of providers who are less likely to miss part of the problem.
- Why a four-part treatment approach may be helpful to you
- How to build your own eating disorder treatment team
- The treatment team at work with emotional eating
Individual Therapy for Eating Disorders
Psychotherapy is a common component of treatment for eating disorders. Not all therapists are created equal, and not all practice similar kinds of therapy. What works for you will depend on your eating disorder and also on the fit between you and a counselor.
- Individual therapy options for anorexia nervosa
- Therapy for bulimia speeds recovery
- Seeking speedy recovery for binge-eating disorder with cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Q & A with an eating disorder therapist (Part 1)
- Q & A with an eating disorder therapist (Part 2)
Families and Groups in Eating Disorder Treatment
Eating disorders are isolating. Generally, it helps to involve friends or family in the treatment process. For family healing (and good results in healing from eating disorders), the Maudsley method is gaining recommendations quickly.
- The role of the family in eating disorder treatment
- The Maudsley method: A no-blame, family treatment approach for anorexia (and other eating disorders)
- Ports in the storm: Groups for eating disorder recovery and support
Medications May Help the Body to Start Healing
Some medications prescribed for eating disorders target secondary symptoms like depression and anxiety. Others attempt to target more fundamental parts of the disorders, whether the problems occur in the brain or other parts of the body.
The Path to Change
Eating disorder treatment can be complex due to the many components of the disorders. Yet that's what professionals are there to do -- help you navigate the confusion to give you the best chance at recovery. It's hard to let others in on eating disorders, even when they're close friends, but stepping into treatment helps to relieve the loneliness and isolation that deepen as eating disorders progress. And it makes regaining control of your life much more possible.
