Top Disorders
Eating disorders are very complex diseases that can have severe physical and emotional consequences if left untreated. For this reason, it is imperative that men or women dealing with eating disorders seek professional help, especially with more clinically severe eating disorders. Utilizing a professional treatment team who specialize in eating disorders can be one of the most powerful and influential resources for enhancing recovery. Though the journey of recovery if often long and arduous and includes many highs and lows, the rewards reaped are invaluable and life-saving.
Getting Help For An Eating Disorder
Confronting the eating disorder is the first step of eating disorder recovery. If you are suffering with an eating disorder, it is important to admit that you need help. Though this can be the most painful and difficult part of the process, it is essential in order for recovery to begin. By reaching out for help and confiding in others that you love and trust about your struggles, you are taking the biggest step towards victory over your eating disorder. If you have a loved one who is suffering from an eating disorder and are worried about their eating behaviors or attitudes, it is crucial to communicate your concerns in a loving and supportive way. Confronting the person you care about is a necessary step towards getting them the help and treatment they deserve. This should occur in a private and comfortable setting and expressed in a non-confrontational tone. Talk with your family and friends – Asking for help is usually the hardest aspect about initiating recovery and a treatment plan for eating disorders. If at all possible, start by opening up and speaking in confidence to your family and friends.
Do not underestimate the value of family in the treatment process.
Find an Eating Disorders Treatment Specialist
A key step in starting recovery is to find a qualified eating disorders professional; someone who specializes in eating disorders and who will help in coordinating and overseeing care and treatment. This may typically begin on the outpatient level, as many people with eating disorders often respond successfully to this level of treatment. The eating disorder specialist will be vital in developing a treatment plan that is tailored to the man or womans individual problems and needs. A treatment team may also be formed and coordinated with your eating disorder specialist to address the various complications associated with the illness, such as therapy and nutrition. If outpatient treatment is not enough, these professionals will help you seek higher levels of care.
Eating Disorder Hope has a directory list of the top eating disorder treatment professionals across the country.
Types of Eating Disorder Treatment
The severity of the eating disorder and any co-occurring disorders will determine the initial treatment level you or your loved one should pursue, though it is typical to begin with the outpatient level. Health professionals seen in the outpatient level of care can determine if a higher level of care is needed and refer as necessary. The following are the common levels and types of eating disorder treatment, in order of acuity:
1) Outpatient Treatment [Seeing a Therapist / Counselor]
2) Intensive Outpatient Treatment [IOP]
3) Residential Treatment
4) Inpatient / Hospital Treatment
Major Therapies for Eating Disorder Treatment
As part of eating disorder treatment are several types of therapy options that address various aspects of the disease. These therapies can be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan for recovery from an eating disorder. Some specific examples of these helpful therapies are:
- Art Therapy
- Dance/Movement Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Medical Nutrition Therapy
When considering which therapies to include as part of a treatment plan for an eating disorder, it is important to work with a health professional to determine what problems or underlying issues are priority in addressing, the desires and strengths of the individual participating in the treatment, and the level of eating disorder treatment needed. Understanding these various aspects can be helpful in establishing which therapies can be included in the treatment plan. It is also useful to include the guidance and input of a health professional to help in deciding what therapies should be chosen.
Co-Occurring Disorders & Dual Diagnosis with Eating Disorders
Because of the multifaceted nature of eating disorders, they may often co-exist with or be a side effect of other diseases/disorders, such as depression, trauma, or anxiety disorders. It is common that eating disorders may not be the primary disease suffered, thus intensifying the need for treatment to address all co-occurring disorders.
Eating Disorder Special Treatment Considerations
In addition to co-occurring disorders, there are a number of common topics and circumstances that affect or are affected by whether a person suffering with an eating disorder is:
- Male or Female
- Teen or Senior Citizen
- Pregnant
- An Athlete
- Heavy Dieter or Weight Loss Surgery Recipient
- A Diabetic
- Medical Complications Associated with Eating Disorders
