Eating Disorders: Understanding the Ways to Cope
As more has been learned about eating disorders over the years, various types of treatments have come to be used to treat those dealing with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other related eating disorders.
Ways to Cope with Eating Disorders
by Rachelle Wilber
If you are dealing with this issue or have a loved one who has an eating disorder, here are some of the most common treatment options available today.
Community
A treatment option growing in popularity, a community treatment plan means you would still be able to live at your home while undergoing treatment on an outpatient basis. Under this treatment plan, you would have regular visits with your primary care doctor, have teletherapy sessions with a therapist or psychiatrist, and perhaps attend support group meetings.
Residential
Residential treatment is often recommended if you or a loved one have an eating disorder that has progressed to a very serious point. In this situation, you would live in a residential treatment facility for a period of time, perhaps 60-90 days or more if needed. While there, you would receive not only medical treatment from doctors but also benefit from psychiatric and therapeutic support as well. One of the most popular treatment options for eating disorders, this often proves to be very effective with patients.
Partial Hospitalization
Suppose your eating disorder has progressed to the point where it has significantly impacted your health. In that case, you may benefit by using a partial hospitalization treatment option. Though you will be considered to be stable both medically and psychologically, this would involve visiting a hospital several times per week to have your vital signs monitored, ensure any medications you are taking are working as intended, and let you ask questions and express any concerns you may have regarding your treatment program. Allowing you to still live at home is essentially a combination of inpatient and outpatient treatment.
Intensive Outpatient
Should you need to be able to continue to work at your job or attend school while undergoing treatment for your eating disorder, you can opt for intensive outpatient treatment. By visiting a clinic or treatment facility multiple times per week, you would meet with your therapist one-on-one, attend group counseling sessions involving cognitive-behavioral therapy, and perhaps even find yourself using physical, occupational, and nutritional therapy to help you overcome your eating disorder.
Though eating disorders are technically never “cured,” using these treatment options can help you learn how to cope with the disorder and avoid relapsing in the future. By choosing a treatment option that works best for you and trusting your treatment team, the days ahead can be filled with hope and happiness.
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About the Author
Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber
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