1. Addressing the Problem
Denial is the name of the game for people suffering from anorexia. They think they look perfectly fine, even though they might be critically underweight. The desire to be thin is paramount and surpasses all logical reason. Food is merely the surface issue. Controlling their food intake makes them feel powerful and in control, which might not be the case in other areas of their life.
Anorexic symptoms usually begin between the ages of 14 and 20. Typically, a parent or some other family member notices that the teenager is looking thinner than normal and is limiting their caloric intake.
2. Confront Someone You Suspect has Anorexia
A typical scenario might be the following: your daughter heads off to college with a normal body weight and returns home significantly thinner then when the semester began. When you causally attempt talk about her weight loss an argument ensues. If you suspect your daughter has an eating disorder you must persuade her to seek treatment immediately. One word of caution. You shouldn't demand that the person "just snap out of it." If she could, you wouldn't have noticed a problem. Anorexia is a complex psychological and physical illness that requires professional help.
Persistence is key. Commonly a person suffering from anorexia thinks they can manage the problem without professional help. That's if they even admit they have a problem. Due to the complexity of the illness, underlying emotions or a traumatic experience could be the driving force behind their food related issues.
3. Turn for Help
Seeking professional help is crucial. A professional who specializes in treating eating disorders is an excellent place to begin. A clear and concise diagnosis is important to determine the best treatment approach for the individual. The degree and severity of the disorder will vary from person to person. Typically, if an anorexic individual receives help in the early stages of the disease, outpatient therapy is the first treatment option. Ideally, three professionals should be involved--a nutritionist, a license mental health professional and a medical doctor.
A psychiatrist, who is a medical doctor, provides medical oversight and the medication management. The therapist, either a psychologist, a licensed clinical social worker or a licensed mental health counselor, will provide the psychotherapy and a nutritionist assists the individual with selecting and maintaining a healthy diet. If in-patient, or hospitalization treatment is required there are numerous in-patient programs throughout the country. An excellent referral source is the National Eating Disorders Association at nationaleatingdisorders.org (or call 1-800-931-2237). NEDA provides a list of eating disorder professionals by geographical location.
