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.
Anorexia Nervosa Treatment - Treatment for anorexia usually involves addressing any physical health problems, therapy, and in very extreme cases, immediate hospitalisation.
Bulimia Nervosa Treatment - The different types of treatments for bulimia include therapy and medication; the patient's GP will be able to decide on the best course of treatment to take.
Binge Eating Disorder Treatment - In addition to treating any weight gain and obesity-related health complications, it is important to address the underlying causes of binge eating disorder.
25-04-2007, Eating Disorder Treatment on Woman's Hour - The UK's provision of treatment for people with eating disorders is discussed on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour.