Treatment Of Anorexia - Which Method Is Best?
Eating Disorder Clinic Or Outpatient Therapy?

Treatment of anorexia involves one of two methods - as an inpatient at an eating disorder clinic, or outpatient therapy (one-on-one with a therapist - or perhaps in a group). In preventing anorexia, should you opt for an eating disorder clinic or outpatient therapy? That's very difficult decision.

Complications can arise in eating disorder therapy simply because there are so many factors involved, some are even financial. And to top it all off, nothing is for sure. Let me explain.

There are many different causes of anorexia and other eating disorders. This means that everyone comes to their illness in a different way and for different reasons, which the person may or may not be aware of.

If you can't pinpoint a cause, then narrowing down a "fix" or treatment plan is challenging.

Nevertheless, all is not lost. There are a couple of different options with regards to the treatment of anorexia.

Outpatient Anorexia Treatment

It's my belief that treatment of anorexia on an outpatient basis works best if it's handled by a team of exerts in the field as opposed to just one doctor or therapist.

Who should be on "your team"?

Preferably, all of your treatment team members will have experience in treating anorexia patients. In my case, two of my four clinicians are experts in the field. A little less than ideal, but sometimes you have to take what you can get.

Anyway, it goes without saying that you need a medical doctor.

Treatment Of Anorexia - Outpatient

They would monitor everything to do with the medical and/or physical effects of anorexia nervosa.

Just a few examples of this may be:

• Blood work
• Thyroid
• Heart function
• Skeletal and muscular issues
• Monitoring weight - (This could also be done by the Dietitian)

The Dietitian's Role In Treatment Of Anorexia

The overall role of a Dietitian in treatment of anorexia is nutritional counseling. However, with regards to eating disorder therapy, this counseling should go beyond an explanation of the official Food Guide and nutritional education.

The Dietitian needs to be adept at the interpretation of disordered eating behaviors, and be able to provide a calm, non-threatening atmosphere for the patient.

This is due to the fact that anorexics and other eating disorder sufferers often feel anxious around those in positions of authority.

It's vital that the Dietitian communicate regularly with other professionals on the team, and form a therapeutic alliance with the patient in order to build trust and provide support for the anorexia recovery process.

Long term care is required for those suffering from eating disorders, so the Dietitian must commit to be in it for the long haul. This includes all of the ups and downs that anorexia treatment brings.

Psychotherapists And Anorexia Treatment

The eating disorder therapist is another crucial member of the outpatient treatment team, and his/her job is not as straightforward as you might think.

The individual therapist can be a Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Social Worker or any other person with experience in treatment for eating disorders.

When I think of my anorexia treatment and how my Psychologist (Kathy) interacts with me, I can see that she seamlessly assumes a variety of roles.

Sometimes she's a teacher who shares her expertise about the biochemical effects of starvation on the body.

Eating Disorder Therapy

She also explains the complications of cognitive distortions and the emotional components of anorexia.

As a coach, Kathy boosts self-esteem and self-confidence by listening intently (without judgment) and providing steadfast support.

She is not forceful or pushy, but she represents hope for the future. Her belief in me serves as proof that one day I too can believe in myself.

Last, but not least, Kathy is a role-model. She is assertive, expressive and knows how to label her emotions.

She helps me restructure self-defeating thoughts, and is constantly challenging me when I want to give in to thinspiration - (societies pressures to be thin).

By observing and interacting with my Psychologist, I am learning to first recognize negative thoughts, then label them and eventually change them.

Watching her is great testimony to the fact that there are people in this world who are comfortable in their own skin. Seeing that evidence up-close-and-personal on a regular basis is profound. A definite learning experience!

From Outpatient To Anorexia Inpatient - Eating Disorder Therapy

Once someone has completed treatment for anorexia, the journey to recovery is not over. It is just beginning.

This is the reason why patients transition to outpatient care. The ongoing treatment plans serve to further solidify the healthy thoughts and behaviors learned in treatment and (hopefully) will decrease the chances of severe relapse.

It should be noted that there's no rule or specific requirement as to whether someone's recovery process begins with outpatient treatment or in an eating disorder clinic.

In my case, I began treatment as an outpatient, then went into a treatment center, and now I'm back as an outpatient.

For those who are taken immediately to a clinic, it's usually because outpatient anorexia treatment is simply not enough and a more intense, more structured, more closely supervised program is required - especially where there are severe medical concerns.

Read more about anorexia inpatient treatment.

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