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What to Expect in Eating Disorder Treatment Program

A person having an eating disorder will need to undergo treatment to recover. Most people do not get the help they need when suffering from one of the conditions because they do not know their options. However, we will help you understand the treatment options for the problem. The information will help you overcome the situation or know what to do for someone you care about.

Treatment Depends on the Condition

An eating disorder specialist will look at a patient’s symptoms to determine their condition. The findings will determine the treatment the practitioner will recommend. Mainly it includes learning about nutrition, psychological therapy, medical follow-ups, and medications. 

When a person continues having the problem after undergoing various treatments, the expert will identify other factors that may cause the disorder. It may be an underlying medical condition, and the nutritionist will recommend medical assessments to identify the problem. 

What to Expect

It may take several professionals to help with eating disorders. They include a doctor, psychologist, and dietician. Still, the support of loved ones is essential during the treatment. All parties need to work together to ensure a patient recovers fully. Still, all roles are important. On the other hand, every person’s case is unique, and the time it takes for full recovery will differ. Below is what an eating disorder treatment program entails;

  • A treatment plan; the specialist will determine the approach to treat the condition. It includes the objectives that the program seeks to achieve. With a diagnosis, the dietician will recommend the treatment options. The program is detailed and will outline the steps a patient needs to overcome the problem.  
  • Resource utilization: to achieve the treatment objectives, they will require to utilize specific resources. The dietician will help identify the items that can help with treatment and lifestyle. 
  • Monitoring; the disorder might bring medical and physical issues that the specialist will be monitoring to determine the progress. Regular assessments help identify the treatment program’s effectiveness. 

Treatment Program’s Role towards Full Recovery

Since an eating disorder is commonly a psychological state, therapy plays a significant role in the treatment program. It may take years to achieve the desired results for some people, while it is a few months for others. Psychotherapy helps patients control their emotions and develop healthy habits.  They learn how to deal with stress and effectively solve problems they encounter. In addition, it gears towards enhancing the patient’s relationship with their loved ones.

The nutritionist is critical in developing an ideal diet with the patient. It involves ways to avoid dieting or binge-eating. Also, the dieticians will ensure the person with the condition knows the disorder’s impact on their body. In some instances, the program will include medications for the psychological and eating condition.

The treatment program can happen in the hospital or at home. When the issue is life-threatening, it may require hospitalization.

Conclusion

When you identify signs of eating disorders in a loved one, it is best to help them get professional help.