Kids Awareness Series

Treatment of Anorexia, which is truly a treatable condition, involves several factors.  The treatment is multi-disciplinary in nature and involves the individual, his/her parents, a mental health professional, a dietician or nutritionist, and a medical doctor.  Treating Anorexia Nervosa first and foremost means restoring the individual to a normal or healthy weight.  Secondly, treating the mental health issues that are directly related to anorexia and a reduction and the eventual extinguishing of the behaviors that led to the unhealthy eating habits.  Lastly, preventing a relapse in the unhealthy habits of the person with anorexia.  It is very easy to return to their “old habits” of doing things. 

A person with anorexia often is often at a very unhealthy weight and is painfully thin.  Any medical concerns or problems need to immediately be addressed by his/her physician.  In these individuals that are painfully thin and that are at a critical point, outpatient mental health treatment is not recommended until they are medically stable. 

Nutritional therapy/counseling is also needed to treat a person with anorexia.  For an anorexic that is very thin, it will take some time to restore them to a healthy weight.  A dietician will be able to work with the individual on proper nutrition, healthy eating habits, and how to eat balanced meals. 

Lastly, counseling and therapy for a person with anorexia is of the utmost importance.  Working through the issues that led the person to the anorexic behaviors in the first place is needed in order to identify their thoughts/feelings and to set goals for healthier eating habits.  Often seen is individuals with anorexia is low self-esteem and a distorted perception of the self.  Therapy usually focuses on and stresses the importance of effective and more positive coping skills to work through stressors in life.  Therapy will also focus on family issues and how to work through problems in their relationships.

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