 The good news is that anorexia can be overcome. But treatment for anorexia is difficult, because anorexics believe there is nothing wrong with them. Teens in the early stages of this disease may be successfully treated without having to be visited to the hospital. But for successful treatment, individual must want to change this situation. Also it is better when anorexics have family and friends which always ready to support and help them.
Teenagers with more serious anorexia need care in the hospital. Anorexia treatment involves more than changing the person’s eating habits. Anorexics often need counseling for a year or more. During this period they can work on changing the feelings that are causing their eating problems. These feeling may associate with their weight, their family problems or problems with their self-esteem. Some patients take medication that makes them feel less depressed. These medications are prescribed by a doctor.
The first aim for the treatment of anorexia is to ensure the person’s physical health, including restoring of a healthy weight. In order to reach this aim a patient may be hospitalized. Treatment usually includes individual psychotherapy and family therapy when parent help their children learn to eat again and carry on healthy eating habits on his or her own. Behavioral therapy is also effective for helping a teen return to healthy eating habits. Supportive group may continue the treatment, and self-help groups within communities may provide ongoing support.
How can Family and Friends Help?
First of all, family and friends must love person that suffers from anorexia. Anorexics feel secure, safe and comfortable with their disease. Their biggest fear is gaining weight, and this is seen as loss of control. Anorexics may deny that they have a problem. Teenagers with anorexia will lie and beg to avoid eating and gaining weight, which is like giving up the disease. Close people should not give in to the pleading of the anorexics.
Prevention of Anorexia
New researches are showing that some of the “characteristics” in individuals who develop anorexia are certain “risk factors” that might be treated early on. Body dissatisfaction, low self esteem, and dieting may be identified and treated before an eating disorder develops. Advocacy groups have are also effective in lessening dangerous stories, such as magazine articles about how to lose weight. They may idealize such risk factors as dieting.
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