Who is most at risk to develop an eating disorder?

Adolescents and young adults are most likely to develop an eating disorder, but research indicates that the onset can occur as young as childhood or later in adulthood. Eating disorders can affect males and females, all socio-economic classes and different ethnic groups. Statistically women are more affected than men, due to stereotypes that favor thin women. However, eating disorders are not just a "woman’s problem", males preoccupied with shape and weight can also develop eating disorders as well as dangerous shape control practices like steroid use.

What are the treatments for eating disorders?

If you have an eating disorder it is important to realize that treatment is a critical step towards successful recovery, infact 60% of people with eating disorders who receive treatment recover and go on to enjoy their lives. Without treatment up to 20% of people with serious eating disorders die. Individuals who try to stop on their own have incredible difficulty and often return to the disorder. The sooner you acknowledge you have an eating disorder and seek help, the better your chances for recovery. 70-80% of people who receive treatment respond positively, and although relapses can occur, treatment provides a foundation for full recovery.

Treatment for an eating disorder will consist of a number of components, which include a comprehensive assessment, a coordinated care plan, psychotherapy, inpatient treatment or hospitalization and, if needed, medication.

Comprehensive Assessment

• Physical exam - to assess an individual’s current state of health
• Nutritional counselling - the nutritionist works with the patient on an eating plan
• Psychiatric evaluation - to understand the patient’s mental and emotional state

Coordinated Care Plan

A coordinated care plan will outline the interaction of different types of therapy and care for the patient, i.e. treatment would include a psychiatrist, a nutritionist, a doctor, and perhaps a family therapist, if family issues are involved. Treatment may initially focus on establishing healthier eating patterns and stabilizing health problems first, and then move on to treat the affiliated family and psychological problems.

Psychotherapy

• Cognitive behavioural therapy – This type of therapy focuses on helping the patient change their thinking and the behaviours that result from their thinking. Therapy might focus on self-esteem issues as well as rigid definitions of beauty as it relates to weight and body type
• Interpersonal therapy – Interpersonal therapy focuses on a patient’s relationships and life situation

Inpatient treatment or hospitalization

If a patient’s health is at risk inpatient treatment may be necessary. Treating the health and malnutrition issues immediately is vital and a live-in centre or hospital will allow for complete control over the beginning of the recovery process.

Medication

Medication is commonly used for the treatment of bulimia and sometimes in the later phases of recovery for anorexia.