Addressing Eating Disorders: Treatment Options And Ways To Find Help

Medically reviewed by Andrea Brant, LMHC
Updated November 6, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team
Please be advised, the below article might mention trauma-related topics that include suicide, substance use, or abuse which could be triggering to the reader.
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Eating disorders can pose serious risks to an affected individual’s long-term health and well-being. However, with effective psychological treatment and medical care, it’s possible to recover from these dangerous conditions and much of the harm they cause. In this article, we’ll review the most effective types of eating disorder treatment and discuss how affected individuals can seek help.

Successfully treating eating disorders may require a combination of psychotherapy, medical management, and interpersonal support. A mental health professional can help clients rethink damaging ideas about weight and eating, as well as suggest strategies for modifying harmful behaviors. Meanwhile, doctors may prescribe medication and assist patients in returning to a healthy weight, while friends and family can help individuals stay motivated throughout their recovery journeys. 

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The risks of untreated eating disorders

While eating disorders may not receive as much public attention as more common mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, they can have devastating consequences. A 2020 study found that people with eating disorders generally had a risk of early death five to seven times higher than average, and they’re also at risk for many other devastating effects on health and well-being. 

Specific effects may vary based on the kinds of disordered eating behavior.

Anorexia nervosa 

Often known simply as anorexia, this condition is typically characterized by severe self-restriction of food consumption, which can lead to severe complications in virtually every system in the body. In the short term, this can include effects like weakness, dizziness, constipation, and brittle hair, nails, and bones. Over time, more serious effects can occur, including brain atrophy or failure of major organs like the heart and lungs. 

Bulimia nervosa 

Bulimia (as well as some forms of anorexia) usually involves eating large amounts of food in a short time, followed by “purging” behaviors intended to expel the food before it can be digested. This may cause many of the same malnutrition-related effects as anorexia. Purging can also directly cause ill effects like severe dehydration or damage to the throat and esophagus. 

Binge eating disorder 

This condition is normally marked by episodes of uncontrollable overeating, often to the point that the person feels uncomfortably or painfully full. This may contribute to concerns like obesity, metabolic syndrome, or diabetes. In some cases, binge eating can even cause intestinal rupture. 

Untreated eating disorders and suicide

Along with health challenges directly related to restrictive food consumption, binge eating, and purging, eating disorders may carry an elevated risk of suicide. The pathology of these conditions often involves severe feelings of shame and a distorted self-image that can cause those affected to see themselves as unattractive, unlikeable, weak, or worthless. 

Mental health treatment for eating disorders 

Treatment for eating disorders can be lengthy and challenging, and not all individuals will respond equally well to any given treatment approach. However, research suggests that multiple forms of psychotherapy can effectively address the mental, emotional, and behavioral components of these illnesses. Here are a few potential evidence-based eating disorder treatments.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for bulimia, binge eating, and more

Currently considered the “gold standard” for psychological treatment of conditions like depression, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may also work well for many kinds of eating disorders. 

This treatment approach typically involves guiding a client to identify, confront, and reframe counterproductive mental patterns, such as a distorted self-image or an exaggerated fear of weight gain. The therapist may also assist the client in developing effective strategies for better regulating their behavior and emotions.

CBT is currently considered the first-line treatment for bulimia

Studies indicate that it can also help with conditions like anorexia, binge eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).

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Enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders

Enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT-E, is a modified form of CBT developed specifically for eating disorders. This four-stage process generally involves examining and overcoming the underlying causes for disordered eating behaviors, such as dysfunctional attitudes about weight and food. 

According to a 2019 meta-analysis of existing studies, CBT-E can be an effective treatment for many types of eating disorders. However, it’s currently unclear whether it’s superior to traditional CBT.

Family-based treatment for adolescent anorexia

While CBT and other individual psychotherapies are often helpful in reducing anorexia symptoms, some research suggests that family-based treatment, or FBT, may be more effective for adolescents

Rather than seeking to understand the cause of the illness, FBT usually focuses on educating and empowering family members to support their loved one’s journey to healthy eating behavior. By steering away from questions about the origins of eating disorders, this method may avoid counterproductive feelings of guilt while enhancing the family’s sense of confidence and self-efficacy. 

Note that because FBT usually involves parents taking responsibility for their child’s eating-related decisions, it’s likely not a viable option for adult patients. 

Dialectical behavior therapy for binge eating disorder and related conditions

Another potential eating disorder treatment is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Originally developed to address persistent suicidal behavior in people with personality disorders, this approach has been successfully adapted to reduce symptoms of several eating disorders, with the strongest evidence for binge eating disorder. 

DBT usually involves helping clients accept themselves and let go of harshly self-critical attitudes, as well as coaching them on effective techniques of emotional self-regulation. This may help those whose disordered eating behaviors emerge from attempts to soothe challenging emotions like anxiety, self-loathing, or perceived helplessness.

Mindfulness-based treatments for eating disorders

Many emerging psychological treatments train patients to cultivate mindfulness, a type of non-judgmental self-awareness that may help individuals identify and let go of dysfunctional attitudes and habits. Emerging research suggests that increasing mindfulness may reduce eating disorder symptoms

While evidence for the usefulness of specific mindfulness-based therapies in eating disorders is still limited, some studies have shown positive effects. For example, a 2020 paper reported that acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) helped patients recover from lingering symptoms of eating disorders treated with other methods. 

Another study found that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) helped decrease unhealthy eating behaviors in individuals with bulimia and binge eating disorder.

Can medication help with an eating disorder?

There are no known pharmacological treatments that can treat eating disorders on their own. However, some medications may enhance the effects of evidence-based psychotherapy when used as a supplemental treatment. Talk to your doctor to determine whether medication could be a helpful component of your treatment plan.

Medical supervision in eating disorder treatment

Because of the many medical risks associated with disordered eating, supervision and monitoring from a physician may be crucial for healthy recovery.

When patients with severe nutrient deficiencies begin working their way back to healthy eating habits, they may be at risk of refeeding syndrome, a type of severe electrolyte imbalance that can be damaging or even fatal. Proper supervision from qualified medical practitioners can prevent this reaction

Even in less severe eating disorder cases, individuals may benefit from regular supervision from doctors who can monitor vital signs, body weight, and overall health. The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) also recommends nutritional counseling to help those in recovery ensure that they maintain proper eating habits. 

Medical monitoring for eating disorders can take many forms:

  • Inpatient care in a hospital generally involves round-the-clock monitoring and medically supervised refeeding. Inpatient treatment may be necessary to stabilize severely malnourished patients.
  • Residential treatment centers can offer patients a stable, supportive environment with access to various forms of therapy and support. This approach can be costly, but research suggests it’s often associated with positive outcomes.
  • Intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization programs typically involve close oversight from a dedicated care team but don’t require patients to stay overnight in a hospital or treatment center. This approach may improve outcomes for patients who are making limited progress with less intensive treatment. 
  • Standard outpatient care generally involves a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and social support, often involving regular checkups with a primary care doctor.

Finding treatment for an eating disorder

Talking with your primary care doctor may be a crucial first step in getting help for an eating disorder. They can assess you for malnutrition and medical complications and get you into treatment to help you avoid further negative health impacts. Your doctor may also be able to refer you to specialists like mental health professionals and registered dietitians. 

Another option is to research treatment professionals or locations on your own. This may enable you to find eating disorder recovery specialists who fit your unique needs and preferences. Some resources that may help your search include the following:

You may also want to consider reaching out to trusted friends and loved ones for support. Overcoming eating disorders is often easier with robust help and encouragement from those close to you.

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Online mental health care for an eating disorder

Some patients may prefer the flexibility offered by online mental health treatment. Remote therapy often allows for easier scheduling, which can help when you’re trying to fit psychotherapy into a busy schedule that also includes doctor visits, nutrition counseling, meal planning, and other aspects of eating disorder recovery.

More research may be needed to confirm the effectiveness of online therapy for eating disorders, but the evidence so far suggests they can work well for many people. For instance, a systematic review and meta-analysis from 2023 found that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy was “efficacious for the prevention, treatment, and relapse prevention of eating disorders.” Online care for eating disorders may need to be paired with in-person medical supervision to ensure a healthy recovery.

Takeaway

Effective eating disorder treatment options can include a combination of psychotherapy, medication, nutritional counseling, and supervision from medical professionals. The therapies with the strongest evidence base include behavioral approaches like CBT and DBT, as well as family-based treatment for adolescents. Mental health support can be accessed in person or online.
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