Treatment for Eating Disorders
The type of eating disorder treatment that is most appropriate will depend on the severity and type of eating disorder and the length of time it has continued, as well as the patient's individual preferences about the type of treatment they would like.
If a person's physical health is in immediate danger because they are underweight or undernourished, hospitalisation may be necessary to restore it to an acceptable level. This is, however, the exception rather than the rule when deciding treatment for an eating disorder.
Various therapies are available, including behavioural therapy, psychotherapy, family counselling, group therapy and self-help groups, whereby patients can explore their issues with food and learn to develop healthy eating habits.
Although lapses and relapses may occur once eating disorder treatment has begun, there is a far greater chance of recovering successfully if treatment is sought early on.
More Information
Anorexia Nervosa Treatment - Anorexia nervosa treatment usually involves addressing any physical health problems, therapy, and in extreme cases, immediate hospitalisation.
Bulimia Nervosa Treatment - Bulimia nervosa treatment includes therapy and medication, but in extreme cases if the patient's health is at risk, hospitalisation may be necessary.
Binge Eating Disorder Treatment - Treatment for binge eating disorder addresses obesity in people who are overweight from consuming too much food along with binge eating episodes.
Eating Disorder Treatment Discussed on Woman's Hour - Eating disorder treatment provision for people with eating disorders in the UK was discussed on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour on 25th April, 2007.
