Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa can be successfully treated through collective efforts of physiatrists, physicians, family members and above all by the self-care of patient himself. The complete treatment pattern for eliminating the symptoms of anorexia comprises various types of behavioral therapies involving family members of a patient as well.

Behavioral Therapies for Treating Anorexia Nervosa

1- Family Therapy and Supportive Role

First of all the family members of anorexia’s patient have to learn some therapeutic skills to deal and support him in a proper way because without their involvement and care this treatment process can not be completed and successful. Family members of patients learn to support them with extra care and love without being a tension for them. They can also help in preparing a balanced diet plan and monitoring its effects over patient’s overall health.              

2- Nutritional Guidelines

As we know that anorexia is actually related to having irregular or low amount of food elements therefore a proper nutritional plan should be an important part of whole treatment process. The professional and expert nutritionists play a vital role in giving proper nutritional guidelines to a person suffering from anorexia nervosa to help him understanding the actual importance and need of various food elements in regulating and maintaining the normal flow of our life.         

3- Proper Medical Examination

Proper medical examination is another way to check the severity of damage disorder has caused to the patient. Various techniques are applied during this thorough medical examination. For example a complete medical checkup is carried out to examine the functioning of internal body systems. Moreover the mental condition of the patient can be judged by asking various screening questions. Blood test and X-rays can also be part of this medical checkup process to get an exact idea about the blood concentration and bone structure of the patient because the bone structure is supposed to be damaged in such cases of eating disorders.     

Use of Antidepressants to Deal with Depressive States during Anorexia

In some cases of anorexia where patient start feeling depressed while passing through the peak points of disorder, antidepressants can be used to reduce the intensity of depression and anxiety developing inside. But one has to very much cautious about taking the required amount of antidepressants and regular medical checkups to monitor the effect of medication over the mental and physical state of the patient. If medical reports proves that everything is going well then there is no harm in taking specific amount of antidepressants regularly but in case it causes to add more fuel to already disturbed condition then it is strictly recommended to stop its usage at once.          

Stress Management Techniques        

Patient can also learn stress management techniques if he feels stressed or tense during the course of his mental disease. These techniques can include taking regular exercise, learning to express inner feelings positively, discussing over problems and above all accepting the reality wholeheartedly. If patient becomes able to manage his stressed condition without help or dependency the chances of his improvement increases surprisingly. Remember that self confidence is the key for eliminating all inner and outer tensions so once a patient gets this master key he become able to open every lock present in his inner self or in his outer world through proper treatment and care.             

All these treatment options help in reducing the severity of disorder and improving the quality of life gradually. When patient learns that how to keep control over his emotions and urges the symptoms of anorexia diminishes automatically. But it take long time to get to normal life routine so all members involved in this treatment process including psychiatrists, family members and patient himself has to show patience till end to get the desired result of all efforts they made collectively in combating against an eating disorder of anorexia nervosa.