How Will Anorexia Treatment Help Me Recover? 

If you are looking for anorexia treatment, then you have already taken the most important step towards recovery by accepting that you do have a problem.

And for the family of an Anorexia Nervosa sufferer, to get their loved one to recognise that they have a problem and to accept help can often seem to be a constant battle.

In order to get better, we need to be ready and willing, but the earlier the condition is recognised and treated, the easier the problem will be to help.

So please see your doctor as soon as possible to explain your concerns. They can give you a full medical assessment, and although there are no actual medications to treat the condition itself, your doctor can treat any symptoms you may be experiencing as a result of it.

Your doctor will also refer you to see a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist eating disorders unit who can provide expert anorexia treatment.

Any one of a variety of psychological therapies may be available to help you recover, such as:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy,
• Interpersonal Therapy,
• Counselling,
• Family therapy,

and others.

You will most likely also be referred to see a professional dietician who can provide nutritional guidance to ensure you are getting enough good quality nutrition to rebuild your health.

For most cases, anorexia help can be delivered on an outpatient basis while the patient remains at home, continuing as normal a life as possible. For more severe cases, admission to hospital may be necessary. This would most often be for re-hydration and re-feeding if the patient is severely malnourished. Forced re-feeding is used as a last resort in life threatening cases.  

Finding out as much as you can about the condition will undoubtedly help, not only in improving your knowledge about the condition itself and how to get well again, but also in knowing that you are not alone, and that the confusing feelings and emotions that you are going through are also experienced by many others.

Finding a local eating disorders support group to join would also be very beneficial in supporting you along your way to recovery. If you do not have any such anorexia help services in your area, then there are many websites, both professional and self help, where you can post messages and get help and support from fellow sufferers and experts in the field.

But, please beware of any pro-anorexia websites and avoid them at all costs. There are many such sites out there that actively promote Anorexia as a lifestyle choice, and this is an extremely damaging and dangerous route to take.

So, to summarise:

• See your doctor to explain your concerns and get a medical check-up at the earliest possibility;
• Get your doctor to refer you to a specialist therapist who deals with eating disorders;
• Get in touch with support organisations who can provide information and help;
• Find out and learn as much as you can about the disorder;
• Get support from family and friends, and help them learn about the condition so they can support you to the best of their ability;
• Join a support group if available

Recovery from Anorexia Nervosa can be a difficult and slow process, so patience and persistence are essential. You can expect relapses along the way, but with help and support and keeping faith in your own self worth, you can be assured that you WILL get better.

Please check our Eating Disorder Help page for listings of some of the main organisations that can help you find anorexia treatment near you.