Types of treatment for eating disorders

THIS week, we continue with the treatments for eating disorder.

Self-help: There are a number of self-help books available generally written by medical experts but which draw on the experience of people who have eating disorders.
They can teach you about some of the ways of dealing with your eating disorder and they can get you used to reading about or discussing problems that you have previously kept completely to yourself.

Help from carers: If someone you care about has an eating disorder, or is starting to show the symptoms, it is important that you let them know you are there for them.
You can offer suggestions, such as reading about the condition or joining a self-help group but they have to make the decisions or their fear of being controlled will increase.

Help from a doctor: The first stage for people with an eating disorder will be to talk to their family doctor.
Your doctor may not be an expert in treating eating disorders, but he/she will be able to assess
any physical problems and help contact a specialist.

Specialist assistance: The most successful treatment is to seek a specialist who can help with your emotional needs and take control of your eating.
‘Talking treatments’ such as counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy are considered to be the most effective because they deal with the deeper emotional issues.

Next week, we will discuss children and young people.
For more information, write to:

Dr Uma Ambi
c/o Beautiful Mind, PO Box 8 Boroko 5, NCD