Exclusive attention to either symptoms or underlying causes may prolong the recovery process. Treatment is typically on an outpatient basis and includes individual, group, or family therapy. Psychiatric medications, support groups, or nutritional counseling are useful adjuncts for some individuals. Hospitalization is recommended when an eating disorder has lead to physical problems that may be life-threatening, or when it is associated with severe psychological or behavioral dysfunction. A specialized eating disorders inpatient unit or day hospital may be the best choice when hospitalization is indicated.
Treatment can be long and costly struggle.
Sometimes, in spite of the best efforts, treatment is not successful. In such cases, individuals remain chronically symptomatic, or more tragically, death occurs as a result of the physical or psychological damage incurred. Therefore, the very best treatment for eating disorders involved preventing them before they develop. The primary prevention of eating disorders involves preventing their occurrence altogether, in other words, enabling healthy, non-eating disordered people to remain healthy. Secondary prevention means promoting the early detection and prompt treatment of eating disorders, thereby increasing the chances for a quick and complete recovery.