Anorexia nervosa, bulimia and binge eating disorder are classified as mental disorders in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Adrienne Ressler, president of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals asserts that "eating disorders are a severe mental illness" and warns of the seriousness, stating that 50,000 people will die of the ravages of eating disorders in our lifetime. She also stresses that patients must be treated by specially trained and certified counselors.
Qualified Professional Counselors
Support is available from health care professionals who have been specially trained to work with eating disorder patients. The team may consist of physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and registered dietitians, among others. The goal of supportive therapy is to lessen anxiety. The patient is reassured and encouraged to explore more adaptive ways to deal with their issues.
Adjunctive Support Therapies
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) describes other support mechanisms, including medical care, monitoring, medications, nutritional counseling and support groups. Support groups allow the patient to interact with others who have been in similar situations. The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Eating Disorders (ANAD) website provides contact information to help find local support groups in each state.
Community Support
The National Eating Disorders Association encourages individuals who come in contact with youth and adolescents to help by demonstrating a healthy attitude toward food and body image. Teachers, parents and other community members can discourage the onset of obsessive dieting and distortion of body image.
Family and Friends
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) discusses the secretive nature of eating disorders. Family and friends should attempt to recognize clues to these behaviors. Those close to a person with an eating disorder should familiarize themselves with the facts. Contact local hospitals or universities to find out about area clinics and health care workers who specialize in treatment of these disorders. Once a person with an eating disorder agrees to get help, she will continue to need support from her close relationships. Family members often are involved in the therapy for treatment.
Inpatient and Outpatient Facilities
Depending on the extent of the disorder, a patient may require daily visits to a counselor or even inpatient treatment. The National Eating Disorders Association explains that disordered eating habits affect a person's life, happiness, ability to concentrate and other normal daily activities. Talking to someone qualified will help. In advanced cases of anorexia nervosa, medical support may be necessary to correct electrolyte imbalances or to restore some of the weight lost. Physical health improvement will increase the ability to undergo supportive treatments.
Ongoing Support
Support for an eating disorder usually will be necessary for many years. Unlike drug addictions and substance abuse, eating cannot be avoided. The person with an eating disorder may continue to suffer from thoughts of body image disorder and obsession with food long after the behavior is under control.
References
- National Eating Disorders Association: Treatment of Eating Disorders
- National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Eating Disorders
- Adrienne Ressler; president, International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals; Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
