Anorexia Nervosa: Treatment Options

Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness. If you or a loved one has anorexia nervosa, getting treatment is imperative. Several treatment options are available for those who suffer from anorexia. Which one is right for you? What can you or your family afford financially? I will discuss some treatment options for anorexia nervosa.

1. Books

I am simply proposing that books can be a place to start. Obviously, if you are severely malnourished with a very low bodyweight then you should see a physician. Also, if you are suffering from distressing physical or emotional problems then you should see a doctor. However, if you merely have an inkling that you may have an eating disorder or believe you are presenting thoughts and behaviors that suggest you may have an eating disorder then reading books could be a place to start. Many books are available pertaining to eating disorders. Some are memoirs. Some are workbooks. Some are filled with scientific information. In addition, there are books and workbooks pertaining to self-esteem and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). For instance, you could read Self-Esteem: A Proven Program of Cognitive Techniques for Assessing, Improving, and Maintaining Your Self-Esteem by Matthew McKay or The Anorexia Workbook: How to Accept Yourself, Heal Your Suffering, and Reclaim Your Life by Michelle Heffner 

more info. Books can simply be a starting place if you think you may have anorexia and could be helpful if you are in recovery and are exhibiting signs of a relapse.

2. Individual Therapy

Individual therapy involves meeting with a therapist one-on-one. These sessions could occur once a week or less depending on your needs. Therapist can come from different disciplines. Some have degrees in psychology while some have degrees in social work. Another therapist may be an Advance Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) who has training in the fields of psychiatry and mental health. If a therapist has a history of working with eating disorder patients then they will be better able to assist you than a therapist who hasn't worked with eating disorder patients. A therapist and her patient may talk about feelings and thoughts. They may discuss body image. In addition, the therapist may ask you questions about your family and other relationships. They may weigh you at each session. Also, they may have you take some psychological tests like the MMPI or the Beck Depression Inventory. A therapist can help some individuals understand what is causing their situation and make changes without the need for hospitalization.

3. Dietitian

Some dietitians work in tandem with therapists to help individuals overcome eating disorders. While the therapist supplies emotional support and counseling, the dietitian can help patients by supplying dietary support. Dietitians can explain what type and amount of food one needs to regain health. Some patients find this structure to be helpful. Dietitians can also explain the effects of starvation by detailing the physical and emotional problems that can accompany starvation. Some individuals are able to avoid hospitalization with the help of a therapist and dietitian. Some dietitians specialize in the treatment of eating disorders and will do much more than simply tell you what to eat.

4. Maudsley Method

The Maudsley Method is sometime referred to as the Maudsley Approach or family-based treatment. This approach is used mainly for adolescents. This is an outpatient approach that relies heavily on parental involvement. The goal of this approach is to help adolescents restore weight without hospitalization. Therefore, a long hospital stay does not disrupt the young person's life. The patient is monitored by their parents and a therapist. The patient is slowly given back control of their eating if they continue to restore weight. After a certain weight is reached the focus turns to other therapeutic issues as well. The Maudsley Approach has research to back its effectiveness. However, it is primarily for adolescents that have parents who are willing and able to paly aan active role in their child's recovery.

5. Partial Hospitalization

Some hospitals, clinics, and community mental health centers offer a Partial Hospitalization Program. These are day treatment programs. The patient spends a portion of their day at the facility but still resides home. Thus, one often has the advantage of having their evenings and weekends to themselves, while still being able to receive treatment. Some partial programs offer individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy. In addition, a patient may receive music therapy and recreational therapy. Moreover, there may be education in cognitive behavioral therapy, problem solving, and nutrition. Eating disorder patients often eat breakfast, lunch, and snacks while at the program and are given nutritional guidelines for evening and weekend dining. Once again, this approach can help some people avoid hospitalization.

6. Inpatient Hospitalization

Inpatient hospitalization usually involves receiving treatment on a locked hospital unit. Often patients who come to inpatient treatment are not medically stable. While being in inpatient, a patient will probably be involved in group therapy, family therapy, recreational therapy, and occupational therapy. Group therapy is beneficial because a patient can receive feedback from the therapist as well as his or her peers. A patient may have their blood drawn often to help assess their state of health. A patient will often meet with a psychiatrist and receive medication if needed. A patient often has little control over what and when they eat because restoration of weight is critical. A patient may be weighed every day or only three times a week depending the facility and their state of health. The positive part of inpatient treatment is that the patient is in a very safe environment with many professionals providing them with care.

7. Residential Treatment

Residential treatment offers more of a home-like environment. This type of treatment helps medically stable patients transition back to their daily life. A patient may be involved in individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and nutritional therapy. In addition, they may be involved in art therapy, music therapy, and recreational therapy. For instance, Rogers Memorial Hospital's residential program uses a ropes and challenge course as part of their experiential therapy. In addition, Remuda Ranch in Arizona uses equine therapy as part of its residential program. Arabella House, is a transitional living home for women 16 and older who are recovering from an eating disorder. The residents of Arabella house shop, cook, and do housekeeping together. Residents also become involved in volunteer work, teaching them to look beyond themselves. Mercy Ministries of America operate Christian residential facilities free of charge. Their residential programs offer many of the same things as other residential facilities. However, they also offer biblically based counseling. Residential treatment is a good option for individuals who need some extra support before returning to their daily lives.