How Do You Overcome Anorexia?

Many factors are involved when considering treatment to overcome anorexia. Each plan of action is as individualized as the individual themselves. First and foremost would be to treat any underlying medical problems. Getting to the root of the psychological aspect of the anorexia itself would be the next step. Regaining some of the lost weight would then come after each of these.

At some point the anorexic sufferer may have to be hospitalized. This would be done in severe cases where a significant amount of weight loss has occurred. In the hospital, the anorexic could be closely monitored and prevent the person from harming themselves.

Another type of treatment would be therapy that could include behavioral therapy, family therapy, individual therapy, group therapy, and marital therapy either on their own or a combination of two or more of these.

However, individual therapy is the key starting point as it allows the sufferer the ability to vent their feelings in a safe environment without the interruption of others. Group therapy or support groups allow the anorexic to share experiences with others in the same situation and thereby feeling a mutuality, less guilt and shame and supportive advice combined with knowing that they are not in this situation alone.

Behavioral therapy will train the person in how to change their eating patterns and show them a healthier eating pattern. Marital therapy is most essential in helping the spouse of the anorexic, and the anorexic themselves, to form good communication in this trying time. Marital therapy will also help the sufferer’s spouse in dealing most effectively with the condition. Finally, family therapy is a team effort and used for the most part when the anorexic is a young person where everyone in the family can play an important role in the path towards a recovery.

Supportive groups are another form of treatment for the person dealing with anorexia nervosa. Groups are often used in hospitalized settings or as outpatient treatment progresses.

Medication is sometimes used for the treatment of anorexia, but rarely can it be an effective treatment without the aid of one or more of the other additional treatments.

With treatment, weight gain will be seen in approximately 75% of people. People with anorexia may continue to have an underlying anxiety of weight gain that they experience for the rest of their lives. In some cases, a relapse will occur.

Approximately 2% to 10% of individuals will die because of this psychological disorder. This will either be caused by suicide or by complications in the body due to continued starvation and the effects it has on the body as a whole.

The most successful recoveries occur in a younger individual, those with a desire to change, a shorter lifespan of the disorder, and when the person suffering from anorexia is able to have a realistic view of their current condition.

The earlier the disorder is discovered and the treatment begun, the better chance they will have of preventing a much more serious complication and thus being able to succeed in their recovery.

Persons suffering from anorexia nervosa can succeed in conquering this disorder. They can go on and live successful, productive and rich lives.

Resources:

HelpGuide: Eating Disorder Treatment and Recovery

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/eating_disorder_treatment.htm

Dr. Phil: Advice for Overcoming an Eating Disorder

http://drphil.com/articles/article/386

EatingDisorder Hope: Eating Disorder Stories of Hope

http://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/recovery/stories

NPR: Struggling to Overcome Anorexia

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4653106

PsychCentral: Anorexia Nervosa Treatment

http://psychcentral.com/disorders/anorexia-nervosa-treatment/