Anorexia Treatment

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by the desire of a person to maintain a weight that is lower than what is ideal for their age and height. To keep this weight or lose more pounds, people afflicted with this condition starve themselves or do work outs excessively.

Anorexia Treatment

The treatment will depend on the severity of the condition. If the condition is severe, you may have to go to the hospital and be assessed for dehydration, heart rhythm disturbance or psychiatric problems.

A dietitian will be needed for the individual to get back to a healthy diet. The diet will vary per case, but it will consist of meals that will boost calories and increase the weight.

Drugs are usually not given to patients, although some doctors may prescribe antidepressants. This will be on a case to case basis however.

Individual Psychotherapy

Individual psychotherapy can help one deal with the issue. A psychotherapist can assist in developing self esteem. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a kind of talk therapy used in many cases.

Family-based Therapy

This therapy is conducted if the individual is no longer in a position to make decisions about their health. The aim of family-based therapy is to ensure the prescribed eating patterns are adhered to.

The therapy may also be used to address family problems and how they can give support. This treatment is often used for those who still live at home with their parents.

Another anorexia treatment is group therapy. This allows the individual to meet other people who are faced with the same problems. Group therapies can be helpful because it shows the person they are not alone.

Sharing their experiences with others and listening to their stories can be a very beneficial form of treatment. However, it is crucial the group is led by someone skilled in treating mental health. The leader must ensure rivalry as to who is thinnest does not manifest in the group.

When Hospitalization is Necessary

Hospitalization will be required in case complications arise from medication they are taking or an unwillingness to eat. Immediate medical treatment is also needed if malnutrition is severe or the mental health condition is deteriorating. The individual may be taken to a psychiatric ward or clinics designed especially for treating eating disorders.

In serious cases, treatment will continue even when the patient is out of the hospital. Treatment will consist of nutrition education and any of the therapies mentioned earlier.

Treatment Takes Time

The duration of treatment will vary per case. Treatment will take more time especially if the patient does not want to be treated. In many cases, treatment can take several months or years.

It is possible to go to relapse when the patient is stressed out. For this reason, the individual should still be monitored in case this happens.

The various forms of anorexia treatment vary, and the individual should be patient. The best way to avoid problems is to get treatment as soon as the condition manifests itself.