Untitled DocumentS Click here to go back Click here for a treatment referral Treatment of Eating Disorders Eating disorders are serious health conditions that can be both physically and emotionally destructive. People with eating disorders need to seek professional help. Early diagnosis and intervention significantly enhance recovery. If not identified or treated in their early stages, eating disorders can become chronic, debilitating, and even life-threatening conditions. Treatment is available.
Recovery is possible.
The most effective and long-lasting treatment for an eating disorder is some form of psychotherapy or psychological counseling, coupled with careful attention to medical and nutritional needs. Ideally, this treatment should be tailored to the individual and will vary according to both the severity of the disorder and the patient's particular problems, needs, and strengths. 3 Psychological counseling must address both the eating disordered symptoms and the underlying psychological, interpersonal, and cultural forces that contributed to the eating disorder. The individual needs to learn how to live peacefully and healthfully with food and with themselves. Care should be coordinated and provided by a health professional with expertise and experience in dealing with eating disorders.