How Eating Disorder Treatment Centers Can Help With Recovery

Medically reviewed by Melissa Guarnaccia, LCSW
Updated November 5, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can impact both physical and mental health. Since this type of condition can have severe impacts on overall well-being, inpatient treatment at a treatment center can sometimes be necessary for recovery. Here, we’ll explore what eating disorders are, which ones are most common, and the potential benefits of eating disorder treatment centers.

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What is an eating disorder?

An eating disorder is a serious mental health condition. Due to the stigma surrounding mental illness and the numerous misconceptions surrounding eating disorders, many still hold the mistaken belief that eating disorders are a matter of choice or that they only affect eating patterns and physical health. In actuality, they are diagnosable psychiatric illnesses that affect both mental and physical health and require professional treatment to address. They’re not simply a matter of willpower, and they can be life-threatening if not treated.

Common types of eating disorders

Eating disorders usually involve regularly eating too much or not enough, typically as a result of body image issues and/or in an attempt to cope with difficult feelings. There are several types of eating disorders according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The following are some of the most common:

Anorexia nervosa

More commonly referred to simply as anorexia, this is a mental health condition in which individuals eat far less than is required for well-being and normal physical functioning. Those with this illness often go to great lengths to maintain a low body weight, primarily through severely restricted eating, though they may also engage in compensatory methods such as excessive exercise and misusing laxatives.

Bulimia nervosa

Often referred to as bulimia, this condition entails binge eating for a period of time. Following these episodes, the individual will engage in compensatory attempts to purge all that was consumed via vomiting, laxatives, or excessive exercise to avoid weight gain. 

Binge eating disorder 

Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by regular overconsumption of food. Individuals with binge eating disorder do not purge after eating. Individuals with this illness often feel shame and embarrassment over the amount of food they consume, which can contribute to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

Other eating disorders

Although not as common as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder, another eating disorder that can severely affect one’s health is avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, commonly known as ARFID. This disorder is not linked to a negative self-image regarding one’s weight. Instead, ARFID is characterized by avoidance of certain foods due to fears of choking or sensory issues. There are also other types of eating disorders with serious symptoms that don’t precisely fit criteria for one of the above disorders.

What are the symptoms of an eating disorder?

There are a variety of symptoms of eating disorders depending on the condition. Getting familiar with them can help you recognize it if you experience them so you can seek help as soon as possible. Early intervention can help promote more positive outcomes.

Symptoms of anorexia nervosa often include heavily restricted food intake, emaciation, negative self-image regarding weight, and a serious fear of weight gain. Over time, this condition can lead to weakened bones, anemia, constipation, thinning hair, a drop in body temperature, lethargy, and even heart failure and brain damage over time.

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In addition to regularly binging, often in secret, individuals with bulimia nervosa may show a variety of severe symptoms related to purging. For example, they may experience an inflamed and sore throat, weakened teeth, acid reflux, intestinal pain, dehydration, and increased risk of heart attack or stroke. 

Binge eating disorder often entails consuming excessive amounts of foods in short spans of time, potentially including behaviors such as eating when one is already full and eating in secret to hide one’s food consumption. Weight gain as a result of binging is common in individuals with binge eating disorder, and they may be at increased risk of weight-related conditions like type two diabetes and cardiac problems as a result.

How eating disorder treatment centers can help

Severe symptoms of an eating disorder can often qualify as a medical emergency. That’s why hospital day treatment programs and residential eating disorder treatment centers are two common options for individuals with severe eating disorders.

Hospital day treatment programs often involve attending sessions that combine therapy with nutrition education to promote a healthier lifestyle and mindset. These are day-only programs in which individuals return home each night. In other cases, individuals might need to stay at a residential treatment center for a period of time. These centers typically employ various types of professionals that may help individuals on the road to recovery. They may offer services and forms of support such as:

  • Individual psychiatric and therapeutic support
  • Group therapy
  • Nutrition education
  • Guided activities like meditation or art therapy

Inpatient facilities for treating eating disorders can allow a person to receive intensive treatment from a variety of different types of healthcare professionals, all in one place. It can also connect them with peers facing similar challenges, which may be a valuable source of support. 

Understanding eating disorder treatment plans

The right eating disorder treatment plan typically depends on the individual, the type of eating disorder they have, and the severity of their symptoms. Whether they have any co-occurring conditions—such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder—could also influence treatment. That’s why seeking professional support for signs of an eating disorder is usually required as a first step. A medical doctor, eating disorder specialist, therapist, and dietitian may all work together to devise a custom plan that’s appropriate for a given individual. This may occur within an eating disorder treatment center or in an outpatient capacity.

Finding an eating disorder treatment center near you

Most cities and medical centers have eating disorder treatment programs available. Consulting a licensed medical professional or registered dietitian is often a first step toward connecting with a variety of available resources. You can also use an online locator tool like the one on the National Eating Disorders Association website. When choosing a facility, it may be helpful to read reviews and research the treatment center’s philosophy to ensure it aligns with your needs.

How therapy can help

In addition to inpatient or outpatient treatment, ongoing talk therapy can be a crucial form of support for individuals with an eating disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common form of psychotherapy that may be used to address eating disorder symptoms.

CBT for eating disorders

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of talk therapy aimed at helping individuals learn to recognize and then replace distorted or unhelpful thoughts. Many distorted thoughts are at the root of eating disorders, such as those related to low self-esteem and poor self-image. Cognitive behavioral therapy may help provide relief for individuals experiencing such thoughts, potentially resulting in reduced symptoms.

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Exploring online therapy as a treatment component

For those who aren’t able to add another in-person appointment to their schedule, online therapy can be a more convenient option. A platform like BetterHelp allows you to get matched with a licensed therapist who you can meet with via phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging from anywhere you have an internet connection. Research suggests that online therapy may offer similar benefits to in-person therapy in terms of symptom reduction for those with eating disorders.

Takeaway

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can have significant and even life-threatening impacts on one’s physical and mental health. For moderate to severe cases of certain eating disorders, inpatient treatment at a recovery center may be recommended or required. These centers can offer various forms of intensive treatment all in one place to help an individual on their road to recovery.
Healing from eating disorders is possible
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