Many eating disorder treatment options exist to help you get on the path to recovery.
Eating disorders are treatable, contrary to what some may think. While the treatment methods vary on a case to case basis, if you want to recover from your eating disorder, you can – with the right help by your side.
Medical Intervention for Eating Disorders
Medical evaluation and treatment should be the first step in obtaining help for an eating disorder. Eating disorders may create a variety of serious medical conditions, including ulceration of the stomach, dental decay, mineral imbalances, menstrual irregularities and nutritional deficiencies. An assessment for medical conditions that accompany eating disorders includes a complete physical examination and blood tests. These can generally be completed by a primary care doctor.
If a person is severely malnourished and/or experiences medical complications, hospitalization may be necessary. In fact, some people may need to go to a hospital just to be stabilized before they can receive any other treatment in the inpatient or the outpatient eating disorder treatment setting.
Treatment Centers for Eating Disorders
To combat the growing problem of eating disorders, many eating disorder treatment centers are now available worldwide. There are two types of centers, some are inpatient and some are outpatient and some offer both. The facilities are staffed with many kinds of health care professionals such as physicians, therapists, nurses, and dieticians. Some have restrictions such as using the phone, visitors, what you can bring, what is expected of you etc.
Every facility and program is different. Before going to any facility for treatment, you may want to find out as much as you can. While these treatment centers will often work with clients and their families, they can be an expensive treatment option if you don’t have insurance coverage.
However, many treatment centers are willing to work with those with eating disorders, but only if you start the process. Talk to the center about what you need, what you can afford, and how you envision the recovery process.
Transitional Housing for Eating Disorder Patients
Places that also offer help and treatment are called transition homes also known as residential housing. These homes usually consist of volunteers, social workers, therapists, nurses, and some may even have a dietitian or nutritionist. An eating disorder patient might go to one of these homes after being in a hospital setting for some time. These homes will help to reintroduce the patient to everyday life.
Mental Health Options for Those with Eating Disorders
Therapy is an essential part of treatment for eating disorder. The first step is finding the right therapist for you. The mental health professional will begin by carrying out an assessment to find out more about you. They will probably ask questions about your eating disorder, laxative and diuretic abuse and perhaps even question you about possible depression or substance abuse. Be as honest as possible. The therapist will take many things into consideration such as age, the severity of your problem, your past history, your specific needs etc. to create a strategy for treatment.
There are many different types of therapy techniques used to treat eating disorders. The goal of any type of therapy is to help you work through issues, improve your life, and work on ways of coping with general life problems. But therapy and its results are not primarily because of the therapist’s hard work; you need to be ready to talk about your problems as well.
Types of Eating Disorder Therapies
Settings for Eating Disorder Therapy
You might find yourself in one of three settings for your therapy, or you might need time in all therapy settings, depending on your disorder.
Family Therapy – therapy which includes the entire family as well as the eating disorder patient and a trained mental health professional.
Group Therapy – therapy within a group setting, with peers and other eating disorder patients as well as a trained psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist.
Individual Therapy – one on one therapy counseling with your therapist.
Nutrition During Eating Disorder Treatment.
Learning to eat better is another part of eating disorder treatment. A nutritional assessment will gather information regarding your nutrition habits, general health practices, physical activities and exercise and lifestyle. Your specific needs will be evaluated and a program will be designed for you to make the changes necessary to reach your personal nutritional goals.
Dieticians and nutritionists who are experienced in working with people with eating disorders will be able to understand and be compassionate about your feelings and concerns. A healthy relationship with food is the goal of nutritional support and counseling.
Nutritionists and dieticians will often work along side your doctor and therapist as a team approach to offer a variety of different services to educate on good nutrition and healthy eating habits. Dieticians can provide information and help to produce an eating program that takes into account a patient’s individual requirements. Dieticians provide advice on special diets, weight loss and weight gain, and the nutritional requirements of both adults and children.
Helping Yourself with an Eating Disorder
You might choose to help yourself when you realize you have an eating disorder. And while this is a good place to begin, you need to talk with your doctor as well to rule out any physical troubles which can not be treated on your own.
There are many websites and books filled with various self-help methods for those with eating disorders. But these are only meant to be starting points and not the only therapy you use. Make sure you have lots of support in your life for understanding and encouragement.
There are many eating disorder organizations across the world that will help you when it comes to locating treatment in your area as well as to provide information you can use on your own. Many of these organizations work to promote education and awareness and have referrals to treatment options in your area such as therapists, hospital services and support groups. Many of them also have toll free phone numbers so you can call them free for information. Or these sites and organizations have email addresses which you can use to ask for information.
Finding Support for Eating Disorders
Support groups can be essential for someone trying to recover. Having support in your life is extremely important. Support groups are coordinated and run by a variety of different people. Some are run by professionals, clinics or by someone who has recovered. The locations of these groups vary as well. Some are held in homes, churches, schools etc. All groups are different and it will depend on the type of group you are looking for. But treatment in groups is necessary, no matter where you find it.
When you find a support group, make sure you call the person in charge to find out more about the group and the types of things they discuss. Sometimes it takes a bit of searching before you find one. For more information, contact an eating disorder organization for a support group in your area.
The majority of eating disorder support groups are available at no cost. But there are some groups who ask for donations or a one time fee. Don’t worry. If you can’t afford the fee, they’re not going to turn you down.