There are almost as many types of treatment for eating disorders as there are types of eating disorders themselves.
An eating disorder is an illness that causes serious disturbances to your everyday diet, for example eating extremely small amounts of food or severely overeating. Eating disorders are serious health conditions that can be both physically and emotionally destructive. People with eating disorders have to seek professional help. Early diagnosis and intervention may enhance recovery. Eating disorders may become chronic, debilitating, and even life-threatening conditions.
Eating disorder treatment also involves addressing other health problems brought on by an eating disorder, which can be serious or even life-threatening if they go untreated for very long enough. Having an organized approach to eating disorder treatment can help you manage symptoms, regain a healthy weight, and maintain your physical and mental health.
Outpatient Eating Disorders Treatment
This type of treatment may be the least restrictive level of care. Men and women participating in outpatient programs could see a nutritionist, therapist and other recovery professionals approximately 2-3 times per week. This level of care can be helpful to those who have to continue to work or attend school. Outpatient treatment can also be desirable for those who do not have the insurance to pay for higher levels of care but are looking for help to stay in recovery.
Inpatient treatment
Most young people with eating disorders complete the assessment stage, and proceed to outpatient treatment. However, in some cases the young person may be too ill to become treated in outpatients or things might have gone too far for the family to deal at home, and hospital treatment may be needed.
Psychological and Nutritional Counseling
Eating disorders are mental illnesses and thus, like any other mental illness, treatment for eating disorders often includes psychological counseling. This type of therapy for eating disorders may concentrate on building life or psychological skills, or analyzing the cause of the eating disorder.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment
This degree of treatment is designed for men and women that do need more support than outpatient treatment but nonetheless have some flexibility to remain in school or work. Programs only at that level usually meet at individualized times for that participant, ranging from 2-5 days a week. Treatment options typically include individualized therapy, personalized nutrition consultation, topic focused groups, and/or family organizations.
Treatment Options for Eating Disorders
Additional Treatment Resources
Further treatment resources that are available to men or women with eating disorders include eating disorder organizations or self-help options. Support groups that meet on the weekly or bi-monthly basis are wonderful ways to stay connected to other individuals who are able to empathize which help with accountability. Self-help tools include journal-keeping, meal plan templates, or online recovery support.
