When you suffer from an eating disorder, like bulimia or anorexia, you may feel as though you simply can't be happy until you lose weight. Indeed, a lot of people with eating disorders measure their value entirely on the way that they look, or the shape of their bodies. However, the truth is that self-esteem and happiness come from loving and understanding yourself. Usually, this self-acceptance can only begin with a comprehensive path towards recovery. While you might feel as though you can never really overcome your eating disorder, the best treatment options to help manage eating disorders can give you healthier solutions for coping with negative feelings, overcoming worries, and gaining greater self-confidence.
Therapies for Eating Disorders:
Many of the best treatment options to help manage eating disorders will center around therapy and counseling. Usually, the type of psychological treatment given will depend on the specifics of the disorder and the needs of the individual. Generally, the goals of any eating disorder are to restore a person to a full and healthy weight, treat various psychological problems, and reduce thoughts or behaviors contributing to the disorder. Treatment needs to address all aspects of the disorder, from depression and co-existing psychological components, to medical issues.
One of the most common therapies used for eating disorders is cognitive behavioral therapy. This form of therapy is highly structured and can take a number of intensive sessions, either individually, or in a group setting. The idea is to uncover those thought patterns that lead to dangerous eating behaviors, and change them.
Nutritional Counseling Options:
Another common strategy that is among the best treatment options to help manage eating disorders addresses, is nutritional counseling. An eating disorder often distorts the self-image of the patient with regards to his or her concept of a healthy diet. Many nutritional counselors will assist you to develop an eating plan that permits you to maintain a healthier weight. Dietitians can help to stimulate better eating habits, and many patients, whether underweight or overweight, can benefit from a medically-supervised diet that helps them get back to a healthier weight.
If someone is extremely underweight at the start of treatment, additional medical attention may be needed. Chronic anorexia can cause low blood pressure, heart problems, anemia, and even organ failure.
Residential or Outpatient Treatment:
Finally, when assessing the best treatment options to help manage eating disorders, it's worth noting that many solutions are offered on either an in-patient or out-patient basis. Residential treatment is often recommended to those who have tried outpatient solutions unsuccessfully. These treatments offer structured environments that allow patients to learn healthier eating habits without the stresses of the exterior world. Additionally, if the eating disorder has caused physical issues, inpatient treatments will allow for constant monitoring.
Outpatient treatments are often better for those who are busy with other commitments. The goal is to find a flexible level of care that addresses the severity of an illness. If hospitalization is required, outpatient therapy often continues after release with a therapist or counselor. The amount of treatment will depend on the severity of the condition.