Treatment Of Anorexia Nervosa
The treatment for anorexia nervosa focuses on helping patients return to normal eating and weight control behaviors, as well as regaining their weight. Medical evaluation and treatment of any co-occurring medical or psychiatric conditions is an essential component of the treatment plan. As part of the nutritional plan, individuals should be encouraged to overcome anxiety about eating and to consume a variety of foods with varying calorie densities at frequently spaced meals. Parents can be trained to monitor and support their child’s diet by following a proper treatment plan. Dissatisfaction with one’s body also needs to be addressed, although this can be more difficult to address than weight and dietary choices.
The use of inpatient or residential behavioral specialty programs may be indicated when outpatient treatment is ineffective for severe anorexia nervosa. Weight loss and dietary habits can be restored with the majority of specialty programs, although the risk of relapse in the first year following program discharge remains significant.