Treatment for eating disorder depends on the type of eating disorder and can include psychotherapy, medications, and education. The treatment must include addressing other health issues that are related to the eating disorder, and can be life-threatening if left untreated. Hospitalization and participation in an inpatient program may be necessary if the symptoms of the eating disorder do not improve.
Psychotherapy is the most important part of the treatment and involves seeing the psychologist/psychiatrist on a regular basis for a long period. The different methods of psychiatric counseling include cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, family-based therapy, and group cognitive behavioral therapy.
Nutritional education involves meal planning, regular eating patterns, and steps to avoid dieting.
Antidepressant medications are combined with psychotherapeutic counseling, which can help reduce symptoms of the particular eating disorder. However, antidepressants may not be effective in severely malnourished patients.
Treatment Facilities for Eating Disorders: What can you expect? A residential treatment center offers a wide array of treatment options in one place. The centers are equipped to treat all the different types of eating disorders and located throughout the country. The medical specialists available include psychologists, nutritionists, meditation and fitness experts, and physicians. All skills necessary to address the eating disorder are taught daily in a relaxed atmosphere.
Different programs available can include:Outpatient Treatment Program: The patient lives at home and sees a nutritionist, therapist, and other professionals two to three times per week.
Day Treatment Program/Partial Hospitalization: The patient spends six to eight hours a day, five days a week in a therapeutic setting, and returns home in the evening. The program includes individual therapy, nutritional therapy, family therapy, group counseling, art therapy, etc. One or two structured meals are provided to the patient.
Residential Treatment Program: The patient stays in the facility in a residential setting and receives psychotherapy treatment. Self-reflection activities along with individual and group therapy are provided. These facilities may be in hospitals or exist separately.
Inpatient Treatment Program: The program is for patients who are medically unstable or in physical danger. They stay in a hospital setting and receive intensive treatment. The facilities are designed to handle medical complications and psychological intervention.
The treatment facilities are one-stop settings that provide all the necessary treatment options. Treatment is provided on a one-to-one basis or in a group therapy, whichever is suitable to each patient.
