How Can Eating Disorders Be Treated?

Eating Disorders can not only cause intense emotional pain, but also put an individual at serious risk of developing physical health problems.

For those suffering from an eating disorder, day-to-day life can be a severe struggle. In some cases, an eating disorder can become life-threatening.

However, treatment is available. With the right mix of treatment and support from others, most people will make a full recovery.

What is an Eating Disorder?

Eating Disorders: An Eating Disorder is a mental disorder that is characterised by abnormal eating habits, and generally, an unhealthy relationship with food. Eating disorders can cause intense mental suffering, and lead to physical health problems. There are several different types of eating disorders – each with their own set of symptoms. t is common for someone with an eating disorder to have a comorbid mental health condition.

Eating Disorders treatment

The exact treatment plan depends on a range of factors. There are a few different types of eating disorders. The exact treatment plan will differ based on which condition is present.

A treatment plan drawn up by the specialist who diagnoses the individual will be used. Generally, treatment will include talking therapy, and if necessary, medication.

Talking Therapy

Talking therapy is the main component of treatment. There are a wide range of possible talking therapies that can be used to treat eating disorders. Certain therapies are effective in certain disorders. Popular types include:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that is used to treat a range of mental health conditions. CBT involves an individual talking face-to-face with a therapist, although sometimes CBT can be conducted in a group setting. CBT attempts to improve an individual’s wellbeing and mood. The therapy focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings and actions. This can be useful for those with low self-esteem, anxiety, unhelpful personality traits or intrusive thoughts. CBT can help an individual understand their feelings more, and in the long run should lead to an improvement in quality of life.

Maudsley Anorexia Treatment: Also known as MANTRA, this is a relatively new treatment type, developed by senior clinicians at the Maudsley Hospital in London. This model of treatment attempts to change the factors that contribute to the condition in the individual. Harmful personality traits can be addressed, with certain goals made for the future. Various behavioural experiments can be made, which can result in changes in eating behaviours. So far, this form of treatment has proved very helpful for many.

Hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that uses hypnosis in an attempt to treat a condition. Hypnotherapy normally involves an individual being in a deeply relaxed state. The therapy also uses focused attention and concentration to induce a heightened state of awareness. This allows the patient to focus on specific thoughts or factors. Hypnotherapy will commonly involve suggestion therapy, which allows a person to be more inclined to changing behaviours (including pain management). It can also be used to explore causes of a condition or symptom. This may include events that have been hidden in an individual’s unconscious memory.

There are a range of other types of talking therapy, aside from the above.

Medication

If low mood or anxiety is present, medication may be offered. However, if someone is very underweight, as is common in eating disorders, lower doses should be prescribed – due to the fact drugs will be absorbed quicker into the bloodstream. Possible medicines include:

Antidepressants: Antidepressants can help to improve and regulate mood. They should improve motivation and restore energy. SSRI Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed. They act on the brain chemical serotonin – which is thought to help in regulating mood and emotion. They may include side-effects such as a dry mouth, sexual problems and nausea, though these should hopefully be short-term. Other classes of antidepressants are available in the event of an inadequate reaction.

Other

In the event that someone with an eating disorder is severely ill, it may be necessary for an individual to access treatment in a hospital. This rarely happens, although it is a possibility.

Treatment in a Hospital will also include regular therapy. If it is believed that an individual will be at risk to themselves without hospitalisation, they may be sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

Summary

Eating Disorders are difficult conditions to contend with, but treatment is available.

Treatment should lead to an individual recovering, and attaining a better, and more healthy life. Receiving support from friends and family is very important during treatment.  

See Also

1. Eating Disorders: Everything You Need to Know
2. What Are The Different Types of Eating Disorders?
3. What Are The Symptoms of Eating Disorders?
4. What Are The Causes of Eating Disorders?
5. How are Eating Disorders Diagnosed?
6. How Can Eating Disorders be Treated?
7. What is the Prognosis for Eating Disorders?
8. 10 Tips for Living With Eating Disorders