A variety of treatment options are available for those with anorexia, a serious disorder noted by self-starvation and extreme weight loss. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, proper treatment is crucial, as the illness carries extensive health risks and may be life threatening.
Maudsley Approach
The Maudsley approach is a treatment format that emphasizes the family's involvement in the recovery process. Since parents play a critical role in anorexia, the American Psychological Association suggests that clinicians often recommend this approach for those with anorexia as well as their families. Parents, or other family members, attend weekly therapy sessions in which foods they provided for their loved one throughout the week are discussed. Over time, the person with anorexia gains control over their own food and eating habits, which may instill a sense of empowerment and healthy self-control. For young girls, changes that occur during adolescence are also addressed during this form of therapy. The Maudsley approach is known as a short-term approach that offers long-term benefits and can draw family members closer as they learn to communicate productively with one another and undergo treatment and healing together.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy, in which a person meets one-on-one with a therapist, is a valuable option for those with anorexia. According to the Mayo Clinic, ideal individual therapy will help one develop improved, positive self-esteem and to learn positive ways of coping with difficult feelings or situations that may stand as underlying issues of the disorder. Open communication and seeking a therapist with whom you feel comfortable is key toward the success of this form of therapy. The length of time required for individual therapy to be completed varies, depending on the severity of the disorder and the rate at which the client progresses.
In-Patient Treatment
In extreme cases of anorexia, hospitalization or in-patient clinical treatment may be necessary. Medical complications, psychiatric emergencies or refusal to eat may demand hospitalization as a means of preserving life and improving wellness. If the individual is at risk for causing self-harm or harm to others, a psychiatric ward or treatment center is generally recommended. Some hospitals and treatment centers also offer day programs in which the individual spends the day at the center or hospital, then sleeps in his own home.
Most often, less intensive treatment, such as individual counseling or group therapy meetings are recommended after in-patient treatment programs have been completed to ensure long-term, successful recovery. In the cases of medical or psychiatric emergencies, seek immediate medical attention. It is important to keep in mind that though anorexia is a serious and complicated illness, it is also treatable.
