EATING DISORDERS TREATMENTS

The medical complications of eating disorders are serious and can even be life threatening, so early professional intervention is important. While there is more to eating disorders than food, the body's basic requirements must first be addressed and stabilised before the psychological aspects can be explored. A very low body weight or long-term bingeing and vomiting can have detrimental effects on the reproductive system, the digestive system, the heart, kidneys and teeth

Medical staff will aim to stabilise the sufferer's weight at a safe level, but this can really only be achieved with their co-operation. For this reason a structured specific programme is negotiated with the sufferer so they are consulted and involved in its design. A dietician will design a suitable diet and exercise may be curtailed in the early stages. Nutritional and vitamin supplements may be prescribed and appetite-stimulating medications may occasionally be recommended.

The psychological basis that underlies the eating disorder must be properly addressed also to aid recovery. Psychological approaches promote a greater understanding of the condition and encourage the individual to retain responsibility for their health.

Recovery from an eating disorder requires acceptance and courage. One-to-one counselling in the initial stages can help to gain a clearer insight into the mental processes that have led to the eating disorder. The importance of a trusting, honest and open relationship with a therapist is paramount. While gently exploring the issues, the therapist will help the person to develop healthy and more direct coping strategies.

Rebuilding self-worth and a realistic self-image are key elements in recovery; the person must learn to value themselves. Group and peer support reduces that sense of isolation and offers hope. BodyWhys, a support group for people suffering from eating disorders and their families, offer a number of such groups, where people recovering from an eating disorder can share their experiences and support one another.

Altered behaviour associated with disturbed eating patterns must also be examined and healthier coping mechanisms learned.

We all hold beliefs in life, most are healthy and based on life experiences, but some are formed through making associations that are not valid. For example, Some people with eating disorders have come to associate being slim with success, popularity or control. Behaviour therapies consider people’s problems as learned responses to life’s difficulties and attempts to replace unhealthy established responses with healthier ones.

For some, an eating disorder is an attempt to exert control in difficult environments. Many young people wrestle with the need for autonomy and challenge parental wishes. Family dynamics can become tense, with mealtimes becoming a battle zone.

Social approaches explore the person's ability to express their needs in a more direct way, without resorting to control behaviours. Social approaches examine such topics as communication, anxiety management, interpersonal dynamics, personal responsibility and assertiveness skills. People with eating disorders often have low self-esteem, and feel unable to relate comfortably to others. Social therapies rebuild self-confidence and encourage assertiveness, and help the person to recognise their responsibilities to themselves and to others.

The involvement of the whole family in the treatment programme is necessary if recovery is to be complete.