Anorexia nervosa is one of the most well-known eating disorders. It is more prevalent today than it has ever been, but there are also more resources now for those who suffer from it and other forms of eating disorders.
Elements of Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is classified by an extreme aversion to weight gain. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published in 2000, diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa are "refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for age and height... Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight. Disturbance in the way one's body weight or shape is experienced... Amenorrhea (at least three consecutive cycles) in postmenarchal girls and women. Amenorrhea is defined as periods occurring only following hormone (e.g., estrogen) administration."
Those who suffer from anorexia traditionally go to great lengths to conceal their eating habits and are resistant to change. This can make confrontation and treatment extremely difficult.
Elements of Treatment
Because of the low level of cooperation of most anorexia nervosa patients, hospitalization is usually recommended in ongoing out-patient therapy and nutritional evaluation. The goal of treatment is two-fold: nutritional rehabilitation and psychosocial intervention.
Upon intake, an interview will be conducted to determine the course of treatment. how much weight needs to be gained, length of stay, what medications are needed, which forms of therapy will be the most effective and if the patient is ready for group therapy. Clinical assessment is done to determine the severity of any health issues due to or complicated by a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa. Nasogastric feeding, where a tube is inserted through the nasal cavity, may be necessary to force-feed the patient until a medically healthy weight or nutritional compliance (patient eats on their own) is achieved.
Typical activities in a hospital treatment program include positive body image activities, group and one-on-one therapy, behavior analysis and restructuring, family therapy (in programs where family members are included in treatment modalities), structured eating classes and nutritional re-education.
What Happens After Hospitalization?
A patient is ideally discharged once she has reached reached a medically acceptable weight. Due to complications with health care, patients may be discharged before this has occurred, making relapse more likely. The hospital will either provide ongoing therapy on an outpatient basis or will make a referral to a mental health professional who can provide the therapy.
If someone you love is being discharged to your care from an in-patient stay, there are some things you can do to make the transition a little easier. Don't focus on where she's been. Welcome them home and after making whatever adjustments the hospital recommended (like removing scales from the patient's room, etc.), try to make things as normal as possible. The goal is to help get him acclimated to a healthy routine.
Don't avoid serving food to her. Food is usually a center piece of most social gatherings, so don't tip toe around the issues. If you are fixing hot dogs at the welcome home party, go ahead and fix one, but leave the condiments to him. Don't let her fall back into her unhealthy eating habits.
Considerations
Relapse is a serious concern for all patients with eating disorders. Constant supervision and therapy are necessary for a truly therapeutic outcome. Support of family and friends is a key part of recovery. If you are on your own, join a support group or online forum.
Long-term use of antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications is normally recommended for the treatment of eating disorders. Homeopathic treatment may be used in conjunction with traditional therapy, but inform your psychiatrist if you are considering it for you or if you are looking into it for a child with an eating disorder.
Warnings
If you or someone you love has an , get help. Educate yourself on the signs of eating disorders and arm yourself with information and resources on where to go for help in overcoming it. You can contact the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders hotline for help at 1-847-831-3438.
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