Treatment for the disorder depends on your specific disorder and symptoms. It usually includes psychological treatment (psychotherapy), nutritional counseling, medical supervision, and sometimes medication.
Treatment for eating disorders includes other health problems caused by eating disorders, which can be serious or even life-threatening if left untreated for a long time.
If you start by seeing a primary care physician or some type of mental health professional, you may benefit from a referral to a team of specialists who specialize in treating eating disorders. Your maintenance team members may include:
• A mental health professional, such as a psychologist, provides psychological treatment. You can see a psychiatrist if you need prescriptions and medication management. Some psychiatrists also provide psychological therapy.
• Registered dietitian to provide nutrition and educational meal planning.
• Your partner, parents or other family members. For youth still living at home, parents should be actively involved in treatment and able to supervise meals.
It is best to keep everyone involved in your treatment informed about your progress so that treatment adjustments can be made if necessary.
Where to start
If you start by seeing a primary care physician or some type of mental health professional, you may benefit from a referral to a team of specialists who specialize in treating eating disorders. Your maintenance team members may include:
• A mental health professional, such as a psychologist, provides psychological treatment. You can see a psychiatrist if you need prescriptions and medication management. Some psychiatrists also provide psychological therapy.
• Registered dietitian to provide nutrition and educational meal planning.
• Your partner, parents or other family members. For youth still living at home, parents should be actively involved in treatment and able to supervise meals.
It is best to keep everyone involved in your treatment informed about your progress so that treatment adjustments can be made if necessary.
Even if your eating disorder and health problems are under control, you may need to continue to see members of your treatment team regularly.
Develop a treatment plan
You and your care team determine what your needs are and set goals and guidelines.
• Develop a treatment plan. This includes a treatment plan for your eating disorder and setting treatment goals. It also explains what to do if you can’t stick to your plan.
• Treating physical problems. Your care team monitors and treats health and medical problems caused by your eating disorder.
• Identify the source. The fitness team can help you find any resources available in your area to help you achieve your goals.
• Work to identify available remedies. Talk to your healthcare team about financial concerns and any concerns – don’t avoid treatment because of possible costs.
Psychological therapy
Psychological therapy is an important component of eating disorder treatment. Consider seeing a psychologist or other mental health professional regularly.
Therapy can last from months to years. It can help you:
• Replace unhealthy habits with healthy ones
• Learn to control your eating and your heart
• Develop problem-solving skills
• Learn healthy ways to cope with stressful situations
• Improve your relationship
• Increase your mood
