Anorexia Treatment
Anorexia nervosa is a complicated psychological condition in which individuals with distorted body image take extreme measures to drastically reduce and control their weight. The disorder can wreak severe devastation and if left untreated, can be fatal.
The complexity of the disorder often demands a multifaceted treatment plan to address the condition’s physical, psychological, and sociological components. Advanced cases may require hospitalization or a stay at a residential facility, where current trends in treatment involve a synthesis of medication, individual psychotherapy, behavior modification, nutrition education, and family therapy.
THE MEDICAL COMPONENT
Because the biological effects of anorexia can be so severe, two of the most important steps in the treatment and recovery process are addressing the patient’s physical symptoms and getting her back to a healthy body weight.
Girls with advanced cases of anorexia may experience amenorrhea (the cessation of menstruation) and the early onset of osteoporosis, while anorexics of both genders may suffer from a slowed heart rate, anemia, abnormal electrolyte levels, impaired immune systems, hypothermia, and other conditions related to malnutrition.
Patients who are significantly below normal body weight – or who are suffering from symptoms such as those discussed above – may need intense medical care during the early phases of their recovery. While their ancillary conditions are being treated, these patients will also be encouraged to eat regular nutritious meals designed to promote safe and steady weight gain. However, because some individuals continue to refuse food, the use of a feeding tube may be required.
No medications have yet been developed to cure a compulsion to self-starve, but many who suffer from anorexia are given antidepressants or tranquilizers to deal with underlying issues that may have preceded the onset of the disease. Some physicians also prescribe estrogen for female patients in an attempt to ward off the effects of osteoporosis.
The medical component of anorexia treatment is also likely to involve nutrition education, dietary information, and the development of healthy eating and exercise plans.
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL COMPONENT
The causes and triggers of anorexia are varied and, in many cases, mysterious. Some anorexics develop their disorders following a traumatic event such as sexual abuse, while others may have experienced depression, substance abuse, external pressures, or self-loathing.
To address these issues, psychotherapy for recovering anorexics can involve individual, group, and family counseling sessions.
- Individual therapy – A qualified therapist can help a recovering individual explore the emotions and compulsions that led to his self-destructive behaviors, and can help him design strategies to avoid or overcome these “triggers” in the future.
- Group therapy – Because anorexia can affect an individual’s social development, group therapies can help patients to reconnect with others as well as benefit from the sharing of successes and failures. However, experts advise that for some anorexics, group situations can be counterproductive, devolving into competitions over who is thinner.
- Family therapy – Especially effective for adolescent patients who are still living with their parents, family therapy allows those closest to the anorexic individual to participate in the recovery process, and can be particularly useful in cases where family tensions may have contributed to the development of the disorder.
- Support groups & aftercare programs – Groups such as Eating Disorders Anonymous and Anorexics and Bulimic Anonymous incorporate the 12-Step philosophy to help ensure continued recovery.
THE SOCIAL COMPONENT
As recovering anorexics transition out of treatment, they need to prepare themselves for the stresses and pressures that may have led to or exacerbated their disorders.
Participation in an ongoing 12-Step program can help to promote healthy social interactions while also providing a support network to help deal with small problems before they evolve into major crises.
Because eating disorders can occur in response to social and cultural factors such as media-fueled celebrations of unattainable physiques, continued recovery can also be assisted by education related to proper body image and appropriate use of popular media.
Ultimately, recovery from anorexia depends upon a number of factors, starting with an admission that a problem exists and a willingness to pursue treatment. Though the disorder can be deadly if not addressed properly, effective treatment and appropriate aftercare can help an afflicted individual return to a healthy and happy life.
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