Finding the right eating disorder treatment for your situation will take some time and effort on your part. If you suffer from a serious eating disorder, then finding help may be all that stands between you and a life of sobriety. It’s not easy to overcome an eating disorder, but the good news is there are many treatment options out there for people with this type of issue.
There are certain criteria used to determine who is qualified to treat those with eating disorders. An eating disorder treatment plan should include therapy, medication, and mental health care. Those who do fit into this category include people who are severely overweight, women in their child bearing years, and mentally unstable people. Those in this category usually require a primary care physician, psychiatrist, and psychologist to work in conjunction with their primary care physician.
An eating disorder treatment plan for someone in this category usually includes counseling and possibly a specialized diet and exercise program. The patient will need to go through a specialized screening process before being accepted into a residential treatment program. Screening involves a history of psychiatric disorders, drug or alcohol abuse, and screenings for obesity and blood pressure. A mental health professional, psychologist, and psychiatrist will all participate in the screening process.
Anorexia and bulimia are the two most common eating disorder treatments. Anorexia is sometimes treated with a structured exercise program, low calorie diet, and nutritional supplements. Bulimia is more severe than anorexia and involves self-starvation. The patient may not be suffering from life-threatening health problems caused by overeating.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is another commonly used eating disorder treatment that has shown success in helping many people overcome binge eating and purging. Counselors help the patient develop effective thought patterns about weight and nutrition. Psychologists provide information about self-help programs that can be integrated into the patient’s lifestyle. These psychological therapies often incorporate relapse prevention techniques that allow patients to avoid emotional pitfalls during the early stages of recovery. Psychological therapy can also help patients develop skills for managing stress that are related to weight control.
Psychological therapy for patients with bulimia and overeating problems requires a long-term commitment from both the patient and the therapist. Both require patience and persistence. Patients who undergo psychotherapy remain highly motivated to make positive changes in their lives even after leaving the program. Eating disorders are serious situations that require immediate attention. For this reason, the involvement of a qualified medical professional is recommended whenever a person begins to engage in behaviors that are potentially dangerous.
In order for anyone to successfully receive an eating disorder treatment, a thorough evaluation by a physician is necessary. There are two types of evaluation commonly used by physicians. The first type involves interviewing the patient to determine the severity of the eating disorder and to establish the cause of the condition. A second type of evaluation, called a screening, is done to ascertain the effectiveness of the treatment. The screening may include several different screenings to determine if the individual is a good candidate for receiving treatment.
An eating disorder treatment that works for one patient may not work for another. Many individuals with anorexia nervosa will return to their behaviors after completing treatment. In order for recovery to be successful, it is important for treatment to encompass lifestyle changes and psychological therapy. Psychological therapy can teach patients to understand the underlying causes of their behaviors and to learn new ways of thinking about food. If left untreated, anorexia can lead to severe complications and even death.
One of the most effective forms of eating disorder treatment is family-based therapy. Fasting, dietary control and cognitive behavioral therapy are common elements of family-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy involves applying techniques that help people recognize their thoughts and feelings about their bodies and to control these emotions before they turn into behaviors that can harm themselves or others.
There are many benefits to receiving treatment in the primary care of an experienced primary care practitioner. An individual can get the proper diagnosis for their health problems much faster and can receive treatment before they have any serious complications. When a person has proper nutrition and gets the mental and emotional support that they need, recovery from eating disorders can be much easier.
Eating disorders have the potential to be very serious. If you suspect that someone you know may be suffering from a disorder, you should immediately schedule an appointment with a health professional. Although it is a serious illness, it is treatable. When recovery is achieved, there will be a greater ability for an individual to lead a normal life and to be around those who do not have eating disorders.
