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Learning About Eating Disorder Treatments

We have previously shared facts about eating disorders, but what about eating disorder treatment? For those who suffer from an eating disorder of any kind, professional treatment is essential to recovery.

Eating Disorder Treatment

There are options for treating an eating disorder, and the best choice for you or a loved one depends on the type of eating disorder. Find out how to treat an eating disorder based on specific symptoms.

Diagnosing an Eating Disorder

If you have a concern about someone dealing with an eating disorder, you can work with a primary care provider to determine a diagnosis. Once diagnosed, additional medical experts may be involved in eating disorder treatment. This can include a psychologist, psychiatrist, dietician, dentist and more. It is also important to have a support system in the form of family and friends.

How to Treat an Eating Disorder

The first step is admitting there is a problem. Disordered eating can quickly become a seemingly normal way of life for many, and it can be difficult to accept a diagnosis. Regardless, a diagnosis is essential toward healing. After identifying the disorder, patients may undergo the following treatment, tailored to their needs:

  • Psychological Counseling
  • Nutritional Counseling
  • Medical Monitoring
  • Medication
  • In-Patient Treatment
  • Out-Patient Treatment

If an eating disorder has created additional health concerns such as depression, anxiety, gastrointestinal issues or anemia, those symptoms will need to be diagnosed and treated as well.

Eating Disorder Treatment Plans

Be sure to keep in mind that treating an eating disorder can be a long-term commitment. There is no quick-fix for learning how to have a positive relationship with food or one’s own body. Undergoing regular therapy with a trained specialist can help the patient resume normal eating habits and explore other options for coping with stress. Learning these skills and others can make a big difference in the effectiveness of an eating disorder treatment plan.

Can Medication Cure an Eating Disorder?

While medication may be prescribed as part of an eating disorder treatment plan, it is not a cure. Typically, any medication used in treatment is for other symptoms. Sometimes a person develops an eating disorder due to being unable to cope with co-occurring disorders, including depression and anxiety. To help combat those issues and others, be sure to do your research and seek the advice of trained medical professionals.

In-Patient vs Out-Patient Eating Disorder Treatment

Depending on the situation, there is both in-patient and out-patient treatment for eating disorders. Hospitalization is usually required for cases in which the patient has severe, adverse health issues as a result of an eating disorder. There are also residential treatment programs for eating disorders, inviting the patient to temporarily live onsite and receive comprehensive treatment for a certain amount of time.

If facility treatment is not an option, there are treatment options that include day programs. This option does require regular attendance in a program, after which the patient can return home each day and implement the recovery lessons they learn.

To determine the best course of action, consult a trusted medical provider and seek the expertise of therapists and nutritionists with experience treating eating disorders.