Eating disorders are incredibly complex. Many patients deny anything is wrong for months or years before finally coming to terms with the fact that they need help. So, if you are starting to even consider treatment, that is a good sign that you are finally on the upswing. Now, though, you need to decide which treatment approach to take. Thankfully, you have a lot of options, including the following.

Intensive Inpatient Care

There are eating disorder treatment centers where you can spend a few weeks or even a few months. You live here full time, and almost every part of your life is dictated by the center. As a part of the care, you receive various forms of therapy and dietary coaching. For some patients, this all-in approach that gets them out of their normal environment is necessary for recovery. This is a good approach for patients with really severe anorexia or bulimia, but it is a huge commitment and can be expensive.

Family Therapy

For many patients with eating disorders, family issues come into play. Maybe your eating disorders are not directly caused by relational issues with your family members, but your family members may make things worse by failing to support you in the ways you need. In situations like this, attending family therapy can be really helpful. Your own eating disorder will be addressed, and your family members will also get advice for helping you recover.

Dietary Counseling

Working with a dietitian who has experience treating eating disorder patients can be really helpful. If you have severe anorexia or bulimia, this alone will probably not be quite enough. But if you have a milder case of binge eating disorder or mildly anorexic tendencies, this can be a good place to start. Your dietitian can refer you to other therapists and professionals if needed.

Group Therapy

Eating disorders can leave you feeling very alone. The people around you probably don't understand what you are dealing with. So attending group therapy can be a really helpful option. Not only will the therapist leading the group directly help address your issues, but you'll also learn and get support from the other patients in the group.

Admitting you need treatment is the first step in recovery from your eating disorder. If one of these treatment options sounds more appealing than the others, then go for it. You can always explore new treatment options as you go. What's most important is that you start ASAP. Look for an eating disorder treatment center in your area. 

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