What is the best treatment for an eating disorder?
Because many factors contribute to the development of an eating disorder, and since every person’s situation is different, the “best treatment” must be custom tailored for each individual. The process begins with an evaluation by a physician or counselor. Recommendations include any or all of the following. In general, the more components included in the treatment plan, the faster the person will make progress. • Hospitalization to prevent death, suicide, and medical crisis. • Weight restoration to improve health, mood, and cognitive functioning. Note: An anorexic’s fear of weight gain, especially forced weight gain in hospital, is a huge obstacle to treatment and recovery. Nevertheless, it is clear that the closer to normal weight is at the end of treatment, the better the chances of complete recovery. In study after study, low body weight is strongly correlated with treatment failure and relapse. • Medication to relieve depression and anxiety • Dental work to repair damage and minimi
