Do We Need a Higher Level of Treatment?

Eating disorder treatment is tricky for multiple reasons. First, the disease is elusive and built upon secrecy. Furthermore, insurance companies and access to treatment can often be limited. We know that, without treatment, twenty percent of patients die. We also know that only one in ten people with eating disorders receive treatment, 80% not getting the intensity of treatment necessary. All in all, we need to increase treatment education.

There are several types of eating disorder treatment options, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. Treatment works on a person to person basis, so it is important that the patient is thoroughly involved in the process. Care for people with eating disorders usually involves a team of professionals including therapists/psychologists, psychiatrists, dietitians, and general physicians. Some programs offer healing yoga, art therapy, meditation, mindfulness, and group therapy as well. The treatment should not only address eating and maintaining a healthy body, but it should also focus on the psychological, emotional, social, and family aspects of eating disorders.

Types of Treatment:

Outpatient Treatment:

• Patient is medically stable
• Patient can follow behavioral plans and diet plans with support
• Can be more hands-off (such as continuing care after a recovery period) or intensive (a program attended often, but not live-in)

Residential

• Patient is medically stable
• Patient cannot follow behavioral and diet plans without intensive support
• Live-in situation

Hospital Inpatient

• Patient is medically or psychiatrically unstable (new/worsening symptoms or suicidal)
• Patient cannot follow behavioral and diet plans without intensive support
• Live-in situation

Are you getting treatment? Is your family member or friend getting treatment? Only one third of eating disorder patients recover--that's not good enough. Let us plan to make that number higher. If you or a loved on needs new or additional treatment options, please reference this database.

Things to Consider when Choosing the Level of Treatment:

• Are you or your loved one able to follow through with plans (meal or behavioral) from your dietician and psychologist?
• Are you or your loved one at risk for medical complications? Are you or you loved one experiencing medical complications?
• Do you feel that you or your loved one is getting enough support?
• What types of treatment does your insurance cover? What treatment centers are available in your area?
• Are you or a loved one suicidal? Do you or a loved one have concurring illnesses (i.e.; anxiety, depression, PTSD...)?