Perhaps you or a loved one recognizes that you need eating disorder treatment. You want the best care from qualified professionals. But there are physical symptoms, psychological issues, social concerns, and (of course) nutritional problems. To whom do you turn for the best and most complete treatment?
Often, the answer is a coordinated team of clinicians in several fields, each of whom brings special expertise to an area of treatment. Making a point to address all the ways in which the eating disorder affects a person's life gives the best chance for long-term recovery.
For dietary changes, a qualified dietitian -- in particular, a dietitian who specializes in eating disorders -- is preferred. A practitioner who puts the wrong kind of pressure on her patients with anorexia or bulimia will do more harm than good. A skilled and knowledgeable dietitian will build the patient's trust, a very difficult chore when working in the threatening area of food intake.
The dietitian will develop a meal plan and shopping strategies that support the plan. The meal plan may include all members of the family. This can provide additional support for the patient in the process of normalizing his/her eating.
Physical Changes in Eating Disorder Treatment
Clearly, medical attention is required in the presence of many of the very serious physical problems associated with eating disorders. This means locating a primary care doctor who is trustworthy. As with dietitians, doctors who specialize in eating disorders are particularly valuable.
Doctors make critical decisions in eating disorder treatment. In the event that a person with anorexia becomes severely underweight, the doctor will make the call regarding the necessity of a hospital stay to stabilize the patient. Medical doctors may also prescribe and monitor medications. Psychiatrists and certain nurse specialists may also be involved in the assessment and treatment of the eating disorder. This may entail an evaluation of any accompanying psychiatric symptoms that might benefit from treatment.
Psychological Changes
While eating disorders manifest in physical ways, the anxiety and hurt that feed them can rarely be addressed via physical means. An experienced therapist helps a patient makes sense of the often confusing and conflicting thoughts that are part of an eating disorder.
Given that eating disorders don't arrive overnight, therapy rarely changes things overnight. However, therapy provides a key anchor for the eating disorder client: The therapist values and nurtures the emotions that the client often believes are not worth valuing and nurturing, giving a renewed sense that she does not have to be alone. Counseling is a practice ground for relationships -- an area that the client has often neglected.
While a therapist can open the door to better relationships with peers and family, lasting change takes hold as those with eating disorders see their social networks strengthen and expand. This can come in the form of support groups; it can also occur as individuals in recovery begin to test their new thought patterns and social skills in relationship with friends and family.
Solidifying the work done in recovery can be difficult outside of formal treatment, but learning how to maintain relationships fosters an improved self-image that can cut off the fuel supply for disordered eating behavior.
Full-Service Treatment Programs
Rounding up a treatment team and formulating a strategy for recovery can seem overwhelming, but it can be easier than you think. For example, finding a good doctor may lead to referrals to other professionals who are qualified and respectful.
A number of treatment programs have removed the guesswork, incorporating many aspects of treatment under one roof. This allows professionals to work in closer collaboration than individually-selected clinicians can. An inpatient program is more likely to involve an integrated team, although many outpatient programs are based on this model. The drawback is that you have less freedom to choose team members.
Conclusion
Moving through eating disorder recovery is difficult; it is wise to find qualified professionals who can work together and create the best treatment environment for your specific needs. With a solid team in place, the focus will be on collaboration and recovery.
