At one time inpatient treatment lasted many weeks, if not months, but in today s climate the goals of hospitalization are weight gain and medical stabilization. The patient is moved to outpatient therapy when it is considered safe to do so. Cognitive-behavioral therapy includes standard elements of behavioral treatment with a focus on identifying and altering dysfunctional thought patterns, attitudes and beliefs, which may trigger and perpetuate binge behavior or restrictive eating. The goal of the family therapist is to help members of the family change behaviors that may have contributed to the development of some of the anorexic s pathologic thoughts and activities. Blame is not placed on one individual.
Anorexics are recovering, group therapy can be very helpful.
The group format allows people the opportunity for a sharing of information, survival skills, feedback about one with others, and it is a chance to enhance a person s self esteem by helping others. A trained leader or two directs the group. First and foremost, the doctor will prescribe medication that will treat any medical problems, like electrolyte abnormalities or abnormal heart rhythms. There is no data, however, that shows that antidepressants are effective in the acute treatment of Anorexia Nervosa, and actually since people with Anorexia Nervosa may be more at risk of suffering from side effects. Research has shown that people respond to medication much better after they are restored to a more normal weight.