Anorexia Centers

 Health

Anorexia centers offer a range of services for those suffering from anorexia nervosa and for their families. Because of the complexity of anorexia nervosa, a comprehensive treatment plan is required, and anorexia centers are staffed with specialists who assess, guide, and provide treatment for those suffering from an eating disorder.

 

Health Treatment in anorexia centers may be in the form of day treatment or inpatient treatment, and may include a variety of approaches:

 

- Medical care and monitoring. At the time of diagnosis, clinicians at anorexia centers must determine whether the person is in immediate danger and requires hospitalization.

- Nutritional Counseling. Anorexia centers provide expert advice from a qualified nutritionist.

- Group therapy offers support and encouragement to discuss thoughts and feelings and to develop a sense of self-worth and assertiveness this is often lacking in this population.

- Some anorexia centers offer family therapy. Research shows that parental involvement in anorexia treatment can produce significant results. Family therapy may also benefit parents or family members who feel responsible for the patient’s condition.

- Medication. Certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown to assist with weight maintenance and resolving mood and anxiety symptoms typical of anorexia (i.e. anti-depressants to treat the depression that many sufferers experience).

- Some anorexia centers feature specialized adolescent programs for treating anorexia.

 

Health Treatment at anorexia centers typically occurs in three stages:

 

1)     Restoration of weight loss and correction of malnutrition. Severe weight loss is often provided in inpatient anorexia centers, where feeding plans address the person’s medical and nutritional needs. In some cases, intravenous feeding is recommended

2)     Psychotherapy or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to treat psychological disturbances such as distorted body image, low self-esteem, resolution of interpersonal conflicts, etc.

3)     Recovery and rehabilitation into the community

 

The following are some of the Health therapies that anorexia centers might provide in the treatment of anorexia nervosa:  Psychiatric, medical, psychosocial and nutritional assessment and counseling; Psycho-education; Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); Individual therapy; Family therapy: Nutritional counseling; Menu planning; Body image group; Sexuality group; Spirituality group; Art Therapy; Occupational therapy; Assertiveness training; Recreational therapy; Peer support group; 12-Step recovery group; Relapse prevention.

When choosing among anorexia centers you should consider:

  • The qualifications of the staff (an integrated treatment provided by a multidisciplinary staff is highly recommended)
  • The type of anorexia treatment program and what it involves
  • Residential or day treatment
  • Number of individual therapy sessions per week
  • An approach to sufferers founded upon dignity and respect for sufferers and an appreciation of the role anorexia has played in their lives

There are also several referral bodies, websites, and confidential toll-free numbers you can access that will refer you to Health anorexia centers in your area and who can advise you on the best anorexia centers.

 

The biggest challenge in treating someone with anorexia nervosa is getting them to admit that they have an eating problem. Most persons with anorexia deny that they are ill and often enter anorexia centers only when their condition is far advanced. If you know someone who is exhibiting anorexia symptoms, encourage them to seek help and offer to help them research anorexia centers that will best suit them. Early intervention is crucial for a full recovery!! Most importantly, offer them your support and show them that you care.