Treatment Options for Anorexia

(490 Words)
Anorexia nervosa is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in which an individual consumes very little food in an effort to lose weight. Sometimes they will eat barely enough food to keep themselves alive. Physically they may suffer from malnutrition. It strikes mainly females and often affects young girls and teenagers. Anyone can be a victim, however. It is vital for someone with this disorder to seek immediate medical treatment.
According to Web MD, there are a number of treatment options for those suffering from anorexia. Treatment will include many facets. Health care providers typically involved in treatment include a professional in the mental health care field such as a psychologist, a medical physician, and a dietician.
Medical treatment may be the first priority for someone who is suffering from anorexia. When one does not eat, his or her body starts to shut down. Organ damage and even death can occur. If the person has lost so much weight that physical harm has occurred, then medical intervention may be necessary. This may include hospitalization in which the patient receives food intravenously. He or she may need other medications or medical procedures depending on his or her physical state.
Mental health therapy is typically part of the treatment for anorexia. This can take several forms. The patient may be involved in cognitive therapy, which is aimed at changing negative thoughts. For instance, many who suffer from anorexia look in the mirror and tell themselves that they are fat, even if they are suffering from severe malnutrition. In cognitive therapy, a patient learns to change these thoughts. Behavioral therapy can help to change the behaviors of the individual into healthy ones.
Another aspect of treatment will be nutritional counseling. The individual may meet with a registered dietician to learn how he or she needs to eat to stay healthy. A diet plan may be enacted. They can form a plan that will keep the individual healthy.
Family therapy is often included in the treatment for anorexia, especially if the victim is a child. Sometimes parents and others around the child are inadvertently promoting it. They may tell the victim that she does not look good in clothing or make fun of her. The family can learn how to support the patient in his or her quest to recover.
Support groups can be of use in the treatment for anorexia. You can see how others look. It may give you a more realistic view of what you are doing and the dangers that you face.
Mild anorexia may be treated on an outpatient basis, but more serious cases often require hospitalization. The exact framework of treatment will depend on the patient, his or her willingness to seek help and his or her physical and mental state.
Anorexia is an extremely serious condition. If you believe that you may have this condition, take the steps to address it. You could literally save your life.