When seeking treatment for eating disorders there are a variety of different options to choose from based on the severity of the disorder and the characteristics of the person suffering from it. Oftentimes treatment involves a combination of many different options.

First and foremost, the health of the person needs to be taken care of, which may require hospitalization. Extremely low weight or refusal to eat often leads patients to hospitalization for their physical illness before anything can even be done to treat the mental health of the patient. Once stable, their care may be downgraded to a day program to monitor food intake.

Psychotherapy is another important part of overcoming an eating disorder like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating. In psychotherapy, the patient will work with a trained professional to address the causes of the eating disorder and ways to handle it the future. It may also include education about how to handle stress, eating disorder tendencies, as well as healthier coping mechanisms for eating disorder triggers. In addition to individual psychotherapy, treatment may consist of group therapy with other eating disorder patients and family therapy.

To coincide with therapy, it may also be beneficial to meet with a nutritionist or dietician who can help with restoring weight and educating the individual about the importance of eating a healthy diet.

Additionally a doctor may prescribe medication to help treat some of the symptoms of eating disorders or underlying issues like depression and anxiety.

Although initial treatment of the disorder such as hospitalization, medication and intense therapy may only be temporary, some form of treatment for eating disorders may be needed over the course of the patient’s life. For more information on eating disorder and treatment, contact Solace Counseling. We offer a variety of treatment options to help get you or your loved one started on the road to recovery.