In addition, if an athlete employs diuretics, laxatives or self-induced vomiting, the resulting electrolyte disturbances can cause abnormal heart rhythms and gastrointestinal disease. The most common cause of eating disorder mortality is suicide. Psychological counseling is the cornerstone of treatment for eating disorders. Eating disorder treatment begins with recognition. Once an eating disorder is recognized in an athlete, the treatment is multidisciplinary.
Psychological counseling is essential for successful treatment.
Evaluation of medical problems, with lab tests or an EKG, for example, and medical monitoring is also important. The female triad's effect on bone health is separate from the effects of menstrual dysfunction. A dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scan is useful in determining treatment. The athlete's activity level should be assessed, if and when he or she requires hospitalization. Appropriate weight and percentage of body fat levels are decisions that must be individualized.