Anorexic People and the First Step in the Treatment Process
Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that result in the devastating over-growth of eating problems and behaviours. The most effective eating disorder treatment is a multi-pronged approach that addresses all the possible causes and effects of an eating disorder. The term “anorexia” (abnormal eating) encompasses many disorders – it can be anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder or anorexia nervous. Eating disorders are among the most common and most serious mental illnesses in the United States. Eating disorders can be treated effectively if you know what to look for and where to seek help.
An eating disorder treatment program will usually begin with a comprehensive assessment and evaluation of your current situation. Your psychological and physical health professional will ask questions about your eating patterns and emotions as well as any family history of psychiatric illness. Eating disorders are often genetic but that is not always the case. You may have had bouts of depression as well as bouts of bulimia or anorexia and your psychological health professional will use all of these factors together to determine the cause of your difficulties.
Once the cause has been determined, your treatment plan will be developed. Generally, at an eating disorder treatment center the initial treatment will be geared towards helping you to realize the underlying problem, controlling your emotional responses, accepting the problem, developing new eating habits, learning how to maintain those new eating habits, and finally engaging in proper exercise and behavior modification. A specialized registered dietitian will help you create a personalized dietary plan.
Anorexic patients who have been stabilized and who have reached the point at which they can follow a personalized treatment plan may be considered for partial hospitalization. Partial hospitalization is reserved for severely obese patients. The medical doctor will consider the extent of your medical condition and the risks involved in the procedure before permitting you to go into surgery. Partial hospitalization can be lifesaving if done under the care of a board certified anorexic surgeon.
Eating disorders should never be left untreated. The longer an anorexic patient delays seeking treatment, the more severe the outcome will be. Eating disorders should not prevent a person from leading a normal life. A treatment option that works for one person may not work for another due to individual differences. Eating disorder treatment options should be considered individually.
Although many health problems caused by obesity can be successfully treated, it is important to consider all treatment options before embarking on a program of treatment. It is possible that the eating disorder you suffer from is so severe that standard treatment will simply not work. In this case, it is recommended that you seek the help of a licensed practitioner. If you do decide to go this route, you should be aware of the complications and potential side effects of this type of treatment.
You may be able to recover from your condition, but you should follow a recovery plan laid out by your doctor. Recovery from anorexia is a long process and requires dedication and commitment on the part of the patient and their family. Many people are unable to recover completely from their eating disorder with only short term residential care. Long term care can help patients live a more normal and healthy life.
eating disorder treatment center
If your health problems are serious enough to interfere with your ability to function normally and maintain a job, then it may be necessary to explore all of the available treatment options. Eating disorder outpatient treatment is the first step in the treatment process. This type of program can help you recover from your condition without putting you at risk for further health problems.