Treatments for Anorexia

Anorexia treatment should tackle both mental and bodily issues. A team approach of an emergency physician and a psychiatrist, who is highly experienced in eating disorders is necessary for the treatment to be more successful.

Effective treatment usually includes the following:

• Medication

Even though there is no specific medication listed, the physician may prescribe some drugs to control depression and anxiety on a patient and may also advise on the nutritional supplements required. Because of complications that arise from anorexia, you may require periodic check-up of your vital signs, hydration levels including related physical conditions.

• Psychotherapy

This is where a trained professional will assist with the stress, anxiety, and depression brought about by anorexia. This area of the treatment aims to recognize and address the underlying issues related to the eating disorder, heal you from trauma encountered, educate you on the proper health choices and normalize your eating patterns and habits. Also, advice and support from family members is important.

• Restoring a healthy weight

This is the most important part of treatment since for you to recuperate from anorexia, you have to return to an ideal weight and learn proper nutrition. You would be required to seek help from a doctor, a psychiatrist, and a dietician to offer medical care, guidance in feeding habits, supervise the food you eat, your weight gain, develop your mental behaviors, mood, and perception, and help you meet your weight targets.

• Hospitalization

This is the last resort and happens when you develop medical complications, severe malnutrition problems and failure to continue eating. Also, you may require hospital care for matters such as heart distress, electrolyte variations, and serious psychiatric condition.

You can heal from anorexia as long as you are willing and committed to the cause to avoid the risk of relapse.