Treating Anorexia Nervosa

People with this disease can get better. The treatment depends on what the person needs. The person must get back to a healthy weight. Sometimes, this means going to a hospital and staying there for treatment. Different types of health care providers, like doctors, nutritionists, and therapists, will help the patient get better. These HCPs will help the patient regain the weight, improve physical health and nutrition, learn healthy eating patterns, and cope with thoughts and feelings related to the disorder. After leaving the hospital, the patient continues to get help from her HCPs.

But a hospital stay may not be needed. Another type of treatment program is one in which a person goes to the hospital during the day, but lives at home. Other people with anorexia can recover by getting individual counseling from an HCP, like a therapist who specializes in eating disorders.

Many times, eating disorders happen with other problems, like depression and anxiety problems. These problems are also treated along with the anorexia, and may involve medicines that help reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.

Family counseling and support groups may also be a part of treatment. If the patient is young, family therapy is particularly important. Support groups help patients and families talk about their experiences and help each other get better.