Anorexia Treatment Options

Anorexia is an eating disorder marked by an unhealthy idea of body image. People who are anorexic obsess about weight, food and body shape. An anorexic may try to loose weight in order to maintain a weight that is far below the average weight for her age. Someone who is anorexic may excessively cut out meals, overly exercise or refuse to eat at all. Anorexia can be a chronic condition that is difficult to overcome. Some people who are anorexic may refuse treatment. However, treatment is necessary in order to develop healthy eating habits and avoid potential health complications.

Psychotherapy

• Psychotherapy may be beneficial in attacking what is at the root of an eating disorder. Therapy can help you cope with any negative thoughts or behaviors you have associated with your eating disorder. Therapy can be done alone or with family members. Having family involved can help everyone cope with the difficulties of a family member's anorexia. Group therapy is usually done in a residential setting (i.e. if you are recovering in a rehabilitation center). However, the Mayo Clinic states that group therapy can result in competitions amongst anorexic patients to be the thinnest. In a group therapy situation, an anorexic patient should be closely monitored to ensure that she is not at risk.

Nutrional Therapy

• Nutrition therapy will restructure your thought process on how you look at food. A dietitian will work with you on how to develop healthy eating habits. A dietitian can also help you maintain a healthy weight by giving you meal plans that are geared toward your weight management. In severe cases however, women who have lost drastic amounts of weight, may need to be fed with a nasogastric tube, a feeding tube that is placed into the nose and guided to the stomach.

Medical and Psychological

• In extreme cases of anorexia, medical and psychological care may be required. Your vital signs, hydration levels and electrolytes may be monitored frequently in the hopes of preventing complications. If you suffer from psychological conditions such as depression or anxiety, antidepressants may be administered to help cope with these disorders.

Hospitilzation

• Once it gets to a point that a patient refuses to eat and suffers from malnutrition, he may be admitted to a hospital. There are specialized clinics that specifically deal with eating disorders, and this type of treatment may be necessary. According to the Mayo Clinic, even when treatment has ceased, therapy and nutrition education will still be an aspect of recovery.

Difficulties in Treatment

• Treatment is often a difficult subject to broach with anorexic individuals. According to the Mayo Clinic, if treatment for anorexia is abruptly stopped before completion, the chance for a relapse increases. Even after a woman gives birth, she may be susceptible to the habits that made her anorexic. In times of high stress, the urge becomes strong to resort to old habits. It is important to stick by family to help you through stressful times.

Complications

• Anorexia is a devastating disease that can end in death. Death from anorexia can happen at any given time. It can occur as a result of anemia, heart complications, lung issues and gastrointestinal problems; all of which are complications of anorexia. Other complications can include bone loss, heart failure, loss of menstruation, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorders and malnourishment which can result in organ failure. According to the Mayo Clinic, more than 5 percent of anorexics die of the disease or its complications.