How Can Anorexia Medical Treatment Help Patients?
Anorexia is a type of eating disorder in which people severely restrict their caloric intake. Often, the goal of this restriction is weight loss but not always. Unfortunately, there are many hurtful misconceptions about eating disorders in popular culture. In reality, eating disorders are mental health issues that deserve to be treated with compassionate care. Patients who struggle with anorexia can find help at inpatient clinics as well as outpatient therapy practices. Here are some ways that anorexia medical treatment can help patients recover:
1. Treat the physical symptoms of anorexia
Anorexia is a mental illness, but it can have a big impact on a person's body. Prolonged starvation can have many negative health consequences. People with low body fat percentages may have poor circulation. Their hearts may be damaged, and they may also be at greater risk for heart attacks. The first stage of anorexia medical treatment will involve a physical exam and blood test to take stock of a patient's overall health. From there, doctors can come up with a treatment plan to help patients regain the electrolytes, nutrients, and body fat that their bodies are missing.
2. Help patients understand their illness
Anorexia can have various causes. Some patients develop anorexia because of past trauma. Others develop anorexia because of poor self-esteem or body dysphoria. Some people begin restricting their calories as part of a diet and soon find that they are no longer in control of their restricting behavior. Anorexia can be frightening for patients, especially if they feel out of control of their actions. Eating disorder counselors can help patients understand their illnesses. When patients understand that their minds are playing tricks on them because of a mental disorder, they can be better equipped to face their anorexia symptoms head-on.
3. Encourage patients to make changes for long-term recovery
Inpatient treatments can help anorexic people put on weight quickly so they can recover their strength. This is done through monitored meal times and mandated meal plans. This type of structure can encourage patients to restore their body weight quickly. However, it will not create long-term recovery unless patients also participate in counseling. Eating disorder counseling is designed to help patients make healthy changes to their lifestyles. Eating disorder counselors may encourage patients to gradually increase their caloric intake, pushing them slowly outside their comfort zone until they can eat a healthy and diverse range of foods.
Reach out to a professional for more information about anorexia medical treatments.
Share