Severe binging and purging. Signs of psychosis. Severe depression or risk of suicide. Family in crisis. Hospital treatment includes individual and group therapy as well as refeeding and monitoring of the patient's physical condition.
Treatment usually requires two to four months in the hospital.
Outpatient treatment Anorexics who are not severely malnourished can be treated by outpatient psychotherapy. The types of treatment recommended are supportive rather than insight-oriented, and include behavioral approaches as well as individual or group therapy. Family therapy is often recommended when the patient's eating disorder is closely tied to family dysfunction. Self-help groups are often useful in helping anorexics find social support and encouragement. Medications Anorexics have been treated with a variety of medications, including antidepressants, antianxiety drugs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and lithium carbonate.