develop healthier eating habits and reverse some of the disorder’s more serious complications.
Given the serious health complications associated with anorexia, it is imperative that treatment is sought immediately. Unfortunately this can be extremely difficult as many people with anorexia initially refuse treatment or believe they do not need help. The desire to remain thin outweighs the desire to be healthy.
Treatment for anorexia typically involves a team approach that includes a variety of professionals including doctors, psychiatrists or psychologists and dietitians. The most common treatment regime includes:
- Medical care to treat physical conditions associated with anorexia
- Psychotherapy (individual, family or group therapy may all be beneficial) to help the individual deal with behaviors and thoughts that are associated with anorexia
- Nutritional therapy for guidance on a healthy diet
- Hospitalization is common due to the medical complications associated with anorexia
Medications are not used to treat anorexia, however it is common that such treatment is used to treat other psychiatric disorders associated with anorexia (such as depression or anxiety).
Treatment of anorexia utilizes a specific program that involves three main stages:
- Restoring weight that has been lost to severe dieting and purging
- treating psychological disturbances such as distortion of body image, low self-esteem, and interpersonal conflicts
- achieving long-term remission and rehabilitation, or full recovery
Early diagnosis and treatment significantly increases the success rate for treatment.
