Many parents, frantic with worry when their child is diagnosed with anorexia, do not know where to turn to for help, but there are many good treatment programs available and they need to examine all options carefully.
Treatment may be offered at a residential clinic or at a day center and the earlier it starts the greater the chances of recovery.
A good anorexia treatment program will be tailor-made for each individual patient and may include a variety of approaches.
Group therapy offers support and encouragement to discuss thoughts and feelings, developing a sense of worth and self-assertiveness so often lacking in patients suffering from anorexia. Gaining self-confidence will help patients to return home with the ability to control the disorder.
Family therapy is also encouraged. Research has shown that parental involvement in the patient's treatment produces significant results. Parents often feel they are responsible for the patient's condition and involving them in treatment can be beneficial for all concerned.
Some anorexia programs also offer specialized adolescent programs, as this is often the age for the onset of anorexia and a time of emotional turbulence.
As many anorexia patients are depressed, anti-depressants, combined with therapy, may be prescribed as part of the treatment. Patients will also require expert advice for a qualified nutritionist.
One of the main difficulties with anorexia treatment is that patients are often an unwilling participants. They do not accept there is a problem but believe that they are overweight and unattractive. In the worse cases dealing with nutritional needs may be the first priority in treatment and involve hospitalization. This is a short term measure to offset severe medical complications.
The ultimate goal of treatment is to restore long term health. Anorexia patients often suffer from low self esteem, building confidence and a recognition of self worth is of primary importance.
When choosing a treatment center you should consider the following:
- The qualifications of the staff and how long they have been practising.
- The type of program on offer and what it involves.
- Residential or day treatment.
- Number of individual therapy sessions per week, as patients need frequent support.
- Number of sessions with a qualified dietitian.
If your child, or a member of your family is suffering from anorexia, or you suspect any eating disorder, please talk to your doctor. Anorexia is life threatening, the sooner treatment is started the greater the chances of recovery. Anorexia sufferers are devious, do not believe them if they say they are eating. If they are young and you can control access to a computer, do not allow viewing of pro-ana websites. |
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