Introduction
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that require comprehensive treatment approaches. This guide outlines the various treatment options available and their roles in recovery.
Treatment Levels of Care
1. Outpatient Treatment
- Individual therapy sessions (1-2 times per week)
- Nutritional counseling
- Medical monitoring
- Suitable for mild to moderate cases
2. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- 3-5 days per week, 3-4 hours per session
- Group therapy
- Meal support and planning
- Regular medical monitoring
3. Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Daily treatment (5-7 days per week)
- 6-8 hours per day
- Structured meal support
- Medical supervision
- Individual and group therapy
4. Residential Treatment
- 24/7 care in a residential facility
- Comprehensive treatment team
- Structured environment
- Intensive therapy and support
5. Inpatient Hospitalization
- Acute medical stabilization
- 24/7 medical supervision
- For severe cases requiring immediate intervention
Treatment Modalities
Psychological Interventions
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Family-Based Treatment (FBT)
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
Medical Care
- Regular health monitoring
- Management of complications
- Medication when appropriate
- Laboratory testing
Nutritional Support
- Meal planning and monitoring
- Nutritional education
- Supervised meals
- Dietary supplementation
Recovery Support
- Support groups
- Family therapy
- Relapse prevention planning
- Aftercare programs