Anorexia Nervosa Treatment - National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
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Anorexia Nervosa Treatment - National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
Anorexia nervosa treatment can increase the quality of your life. The week of Feb 20-26, 2011 is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. If you have been thinking about anorexia nervosa treatment, now might be a great time to start. The degree of care required varies from patient to patient and would depend on many factors, including:
Medical status
Weight
Motivation to recover
Mental Health
Geographical location
The extent of control that the patient has over their symptoms
Environmental stressors
Anorexia Treatment - What's Involved?
One of the primary factors that affects treatment of anorexia would be addressing and stabilizing any serious health conditions. In some instances, hospitalization may be necessary in order to ensure that the patient is in no immediate medical danger. Outpatient treatment becomes an option for those who can manage recovery on an outpatient basis.
Anorexia Nervosa Treatment Options
Dialectical-Behavior Therapy (DBT) It is a blend of behavioral and cognitive therapies that educate the patient on healthy ways to handle painful feelings through acceptance and transformation. Patients gain the tools necessary to identify the causes of disordered eating and learn to handle stress better by finding out a healthy distraction or engaging in relaxation or breathing techniques. Mindful eating is also taught as a part of dialectical-behavior therapy.
Nutritional Counseling Dietitians or nutritionists would assist the patient in devising meal plans, setting dietary goals, and achieving a healthy weight. The client would also receive education on basic nutrition and the damaging effects of anorexia.
Medication Medication management can be beneficial in treatment along with therapy.
CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy) It is a form of psychotherapy, the basis for which is a link between actions and cognitions. It helps individuals break apart their issues or situations to make them more manageable. After this, the patient must comprehend the unrealistic thoughts or emotions responsible for the wrong eating and diet behaviors. Healthier emotions and behaviors should replace the unrealistic thoughts and faulty behaviors.
Support Groups Participation in an eating disorder support group would help the anorexia nervosa patient get over her shame and loneliness, allow her to share her experiences and help her develop resources for support outside of her treatment team.
Contact an eating disorder treatment center near you to learn more about anorexia nervosa treatment and how it allows a eating disorder sufferer to lead a normal and healthy life.