Eating disorders (including anorexia and bulimia) are serious illnesses which require professional intervention in order to promote long-term recovery and well being.
Eating disorders are complex, and treatment may involve a team approach. Although the individual with an eating disorder may appear to be overly focused on food, body weight, and a refusal to eat, the actual issues go much deeper. It is important to work through the underlying concerns that have contributed to the person using their eating disorder as a coping strategy.
The first step in the treatment of an eating disorder is to restore weight, and ensure that any physical problems are taken care of. A nutritional specialist may need to work with the person suffering from the eating disorder to ensure that an adequate amount of food energy is being consumed in order to maintain a healthy weight.
A therapist or counselor can also help by talking with the person who has an eating disorder, and assisting them to identify negative thoughts and body image distortions. Eating disorder treatment also involves replacing unhealthy coping strategies (such as binging, purging, or starving oneself) with non-destructive ways of dealing with stressful situations.
Often, people who suffer from eating disorders need help working through relationship issues and/or dealing with anxiety. Long-term treatment goals may include stress management, increasing self-esteem, and working through difficult emotions and feelings.
Some individuals with eating disorders may require hospitalization at first to stabilize their condition, or more intense intervention through a residential facility. Long-term therapy usually takes place on an outpatient basis.
Click on a state below to find eating disorder treatment options that could be right for you.
For individuals, friends and families who are looking to connect during life's challenging times. Share personal experiences, evaluate information and get support during times of need, illness, treatment or recovery.
The information provided on EatingDisordersOnline.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational and educational purposes and we encourage all visitors to see a licensed physician if they believe that they have an eating disorder. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Neither the owners or employees of EatingDisordersOnline.com nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Please see our Legal Statement for further information.
.tiny.jpg "tiny")
.tiny.jpg "tiny")
.tiny.jpg "tiny")
.tiny.jpg "tiny")
.tiny.jpg "tiny")
Eating Disorder Support Groups at SupportGroups.com provides a network for those facing life's challenges. Click on the following links to get the support you need in a confidential, caring environment.
If you or a loved one is suffering from an eating disorder and need help entering into recovery then we are here to offer help in any way we can. We have over 2,000 Treatment Facilities and Treatment Professionals listed on our Directory. You can search by Zip Code, City or State. Click here to search for a Treatment Facility that is right for you.
