Eating disorder treatment signs of recovery

Signs of progress with eating disorder treatments

While recovery from any eating disorder is a long-term process, therapists from every school sense that a patient is ready to move on when, in addition to stabilizing body weight, he or she shows a shift in attitude toward a positive, long view of life, a breakdown of denial, a willingness to give up "fear foods" and other superstitions, and the ability to establish flexible, attainable goals that achieve success gradually and that aren't focused exclusively on food and body-issues.

Recovery can feel uncomfortable, as people are asked to give up patterns that have served as emotional protection. To help, therapists talk about "inoculation," warning them that they'll probably feel worse before they feel better. They may use a surgery analogy: "Immediately after surgery, you feel worse than before you went in, but in time, you feel better. Trying to change eating behaviors increases anxiety and stress. The anxiety will diminish with time." And treatment does take time. Some can find recovery in a year or less, but others need to stick with it for up to seven years, with ongoing follow-ups.

Eating disorder treatment

Statistics vary on the success rates for treatment of eating disorders. Bulimia is somewhat easier to treat successfully than anorexia. For anorexia, success may be measured by the maintenance of 95 percent of normal weight for a specific length of time, but it's also something that a person may need to be aware of for the long term. Some studies indicate that as few as 50 percent of anorexia patients recover.

ANRED (Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders) reports that up to 20 percent of untreated anorectics die from the disorder. Of those who enter treatment, ANRED says that 60 percent recover completely. Another 20 percent make significant progress. Unfortunately, the last 20 percent remain chronic sufferers, even with treatment, and a few die even with treatment.

National Institutes of Health studies find that a combined approach to treatment is most effective. When the efforts of mental-health professionals are combined with those of other health professionals, the effects of treatment are most beneficial. Physicians treat any medical complications, and nutritionists advise on diet and eating regimens.

The challenge of treating eating disorders is made more difficult by the metabolic changes associated with them, and nutritionists need to help patients maintain an appropriate calorie intake. Just to maintain a stable weight, individuals with anorexia may actually have to consume more calories than someone of similar weight and age without an eating disorder. For example, a nutritionist may be best able to determine caloric and nutrition needs, but a psychotherapist may be needed to help a patient become willing to take in the needed food.

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