Other Treatments for Eating Disorders
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Eating disorders can be treated with the following interventions:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Therapists can help you develop a healthier and more realistic self-image. They will help you find new ways to think about your body and yourself. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been especially successful when used for people who have bulimia and, along with medication, has proven to be the most effective treatment for this condition. If you have bulimia, CBT may help you normalize your eating patterns, ending binging and purging and teaching you to eat small amounts of food more regularly.
If you have binge eating disorder , CBT is used to help increase your self-esteem and motivation to stop binging. It can also help treat depression , which is common among binge eaters.
Research suggests that CBT is one of the most effective treatments for certain types of eating disorders.
Interpersonal therapy may help you understand and cope with concerns about your relationships. It may help you cope with anxiety and depression that may coexist with your eating disorder. It is also useful in addressing social factors that influence your eating behavior.
Interpersonal therapy can help you express your feelings, develop a stronger sense of individuality, cope with change, and address past trauma that might have played a role in your eating disorder.
There are many different types of groups for people with eating disorders. Groups may be part of an inpatient or outpatient program, be led by a private therapist, or exist independently. A therapist, recovered person, or other individual may lead support groups for people with eating disorders. Topics may include coping strategies, body image, nutrition information, spirituality, family issues, art therapy, or a combination of topics. CBT can be effectively conducted in a group session.
Complex family behaviors and attitudes often play a role in eating disorders. Many people cannot recover unless their families recognize their roles in the problem and make changes. Close family members need to understand the disorder and support the patient.
If you have anorexia nervosa and are hospitalized, you will receive strict dietary control and monitoring until you gain a desirable amount of weight. Ultimate success depends upon your commitment to change.
You may be hospitalized if:
- Your weight is 15% or more below your ideal body weight
- You have signs of serious physical or emotional deterioration
Most people with bulimia do not have to be hospitalized unless they develop anorexia, need medications to withdraw from purging, or have major depression.
Psychotherapy is more effective after the patient has started gaining weight and malnutrition has been corrected.
References:
American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home.html .
Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders website. Available at: http://www.anred.com/ .
Carson RC, Butcher JN, Mineka S. Abnormal Psychology and Modern Life . 11th ed. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon; 2000.
Eating disorders: facts about eating disorders and the search for solutions. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/eatingdisorders.cfm . Accessed April 8, 2007.
National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/ .
Santucci P. A brief overview of therapies used in the treatment of eating disorders: a consumer's guide. Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders website. Available at: http://www.anad.org/site/anadweb/content.php?type=1&id=6901 . Accessed April 12, 2007.
Treatment of eating disorders. National Eating Disorders Association website. Available at: http://www.edap.org/p.asp?WebPage_ID=286&Profile_ID=41139 . Accessed April 12, 2007.
Yager J, Devlin MJ, Halmi KA, et al. Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Eating Disorders. 3rd ed. American Psychiatric Association website. Available at: http://www.psych.org/psych_pract/treatg/pg/EatingDisorders3ePG_04-28-06.pdf. Accessed April 12, 2007.
Last reviewed April 2009 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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