Eating Disorder Groups: 4 Treatments for Eating Disorders

In our modern, westernized society, the serious side effects of eating disorders on the mind and body have become a lot more obvious. An eating disorder of one type or another affects a wide range of the population, with girls and women making up 90% of eating disorder sufferers. An eating disorder should never be ignored, because it can quickly spiral out of control if not recognized early and taken care of with some type of treatment. Yet, this still remains one of the most difficult health problems to fix because most people who have one are either not capable of recognizing they have a problem, or they are hiding it away in secret.

When someone has an eating disorder like bulimia, anorexia or binge eating, they are also most likely experiencing other psychological issues such as anxiety, behavioral problems, posttraumatic stress syndrome, societal pressure, body image distortion and shame. The underlying causes for someone using food to resolve hidden emotional and psychological issues is not uncommon. In fact, these problems have a lot to do with why a person develops an unhealthy relationship with food.

Fortunately, treatments for eating disorders are available and there are some well-respected treatment centers that offer both inpatient and outpatient treatment options. Because a lot more is understood about eating disorders than even 10 years ago, an individual treatment plan focuses on treating the whole person, and not just an individual’s reluctance to change their eating habits. There’s an acknowledgement by medical professionals that simple willpower is not enough to cure an eating disorder. An intensive treatment program that involves helping the patient deal with emotional issues, problems with socializing and physical effects on their health is what leads to a 70% success rate for those who seek treatment.

Here are some of the best treatments for eating disorders:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – CBT is often used to teach the patient coping skills in dealing with how they feel in any given moment about a particular situation. Food is a part of everyday life and patients will need to know how to cope with their feelings about food in various situations. CBT provides them with coping skills, which allow a quick shift from negative thoughts to positive ones.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy – DBT teaches patients practical ways to deal with stressful situations through awareness, delayed gratification and avoiding impulsive behaviors. It also stresses the importance of identifying and working through emotional pain in order to move towards more positive thinking about life.

Group Therapy – As with other serious conditions, group therapy has a powerful effect on a person with an eating disorder. It provides a safe environment to share feelings that cannot be expressed under normal circumstances. It’s also a place to hear others talk about shared experiences and to receive encouragement and motivation.

Nutritional Therapy – In this case, nutrition isn’t just about dieting. Most people with eating disorders have an unhealthy approach to food. Either they eat to little of it or too much and are very obsessive in their thoughts about food. Nutritional therapy teaches patients to develop a healthy relationship with food. They are taught that food is neither threatening nor shameful, but a part of one’s nutritional needs and enjoyment in life.

The Truth About Eating Disorders – Binge Eating Disorder – Produced By: Magdalene John Binge Eating Disorder effects about 2% of the population but no one seems to talk about it, until now. Watch as reporter Magdalene John explains why we need to know more about this hidden illness. FEATURED IN REPORT: Patti Perry-RN, MSN Nurse, Psychotherapist www.eatingdisorders.ca Jennifer Dash-Battled with Binge Eating Disorder Robin Moore-Currently Struggles with Binge Eating Disorder http Julie Notto-Program Director, Sheena’s Place www.sheenasplace.org

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