What Does An Anorexia Treatment Program Entail?

If you or a loved one suffer from anorexia, then it is very important to enroll in a comprehensive treatment program. Although all eating disorders can be dangerous, anorexia is particularly deadly and should therefore be taken very seriously. Below, you can learn what a comprehensive anorexia treatment program is likely to entail.

1. Individual Therapy

Anorexia is a mental health disorder, and like many mental health disorders, it responds well to one-on-one therapy. Usually for anorexia, the therapist will use cognitive-behavioral techniques. In other words, they will focus on identifying why the patient has developed anorexic behaviors, and then they'll help the patient develop healthier ways of dealing with the feelings they're using anorexia to deal with.

2. Family Therapy

Anorexia rarely occurs in a vacuum, which is to say family members often play some role in the development or perpetuation of the disorder. Family therapy sessions will help identify behaviors that family members can modify to help their loved one with anorexia. They're also important for teaching family members what to expect as their loved one pursues recovery.

3. Dietary Counseling

Dietary counseling will focus on the actual eating behavior itself. At first, the patient may be watched directly as they eat. They'll learn about proper nutrition and what a healthy meal entails, and they'll work on skills like shopping for and preparing healthy meals. Over time, in dietary counseling, they will learn to eat larger portions and eat foods they have avoided throughout their time with anorexia.

4. Bone Scans and Osteoporosis Treatment

One of the biggest risks of anorexia is the early development of osteoporosis. When a patient is not getting enough nutrition, their bones grow weak and prone to fracture. An anorexia treatment program almost always involves bone scans to measure bone density and then, if needed, medications to help keep additional calcium from leeching from the bones.

5. Antidepressants

Almost all anorexic patients suffer from depression in some way, shape, or form. Treating the depression will usually help treat the anorexia. The doctors overseeing the treatment program can determine which antidepressants are best and at which dose. It may take a little trial and error to arrive at the perfect dose.

Hopefully, you now have a better idea of what to expect if you or your loved one enrolls in an anorexia treatment program. A comprehensive program really is the best choice for your long-term health.

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