Eating Disorder Treatment
Philosophies

There are a number of different approaches to eating disorder treatment. There is no one best eating disorder treatment philosophy. The key is to find an eating disorder treatment philosophy that best meets your individual needs. We have listed below some of the philosophies that exist, which may help you on your search for a quality eating disorder program.  We know this is an important decision, so let us help you find an eating disorder treatment option that will make a difference in your life. You’ve Waited Long Enough – Call Us Now at 1-800-231-2950, We Can Help!

12 Step Model or Addiction Treatment Philosophy

This philosophy of eating disorder treatment is widely accepted as most eating disorders are characterized by addictive behaviors such as binging with the compulsive eating disorder and purging or laxative abuse with bulimia. Anorexia is not viewed in the same light although anorexics with a drug addiction or alcohol addiction can benefit from this treatment philosophy.  Research demonstrates that people suffering from eating disorders report obsessions, compulsions and cravings regarding food and weight almost identical to those reported by the addict and alcoholic with regards to drugs and alcohol.  This tells us and this is supported by the American Medical Association that we are dealing with a disease, chronic in nature that can be treated with a philosophical approach similar to addiction treatment.

The addiction treatment philosophy for eating disorders is generally focused on a person’s inability to effectively manage the consumption of sugar and flour products. The consumption of these foods seems to produce uncontrollable compulsions and cravings for more of the same. Once a person begins the process of eating sugar and possibly flour, they seem to binge uncontrollably and can not just stop at just one, despite their best efforts. With control being a significant component of an eating disorder, one can imagine how angry and depressed the person will feel who can not the control their eating behavior in a healthy manner.   In conjunction with the development of a healthy eating plan, nutritional counseling and a variety of group, individual and family therapy, recovery can become a reality. Call Us Today and Allow Us to Help – Call our eating disorder helpline at 1-800-231-2950.

Psychiatric or Medical Philosophy for the Treatment of Eating Disorders

The professionals who adopt this model of treatment tend to view eating disorders as psychiatric problems that can be managed through medical and psychiatric intervention. In our opinion, this is certainly the case with the person suffering from anorexia, but not necessarily as it relates to bulimia nervosa or binge eating. The psychiatric model of care combines the use of psychiatric medications, coupled with cognitive behavioral therapy, individual therapy and nutritional counseling to assist the individual to manage their eating behavior and resolve their psychological problems.

From a “food perspective” there are no good foods or bad foods. This spectrum of the eating disorder field believes people can be taught how to eat in moderation, regardless of the food. While this may contradict what we know about addiction, there is certainly a segment of the population that will benefit from this type of treatment for eating disorders.

It should be noted that with such a high incidence of psychiatric disorders present in people with eating disorders, the use of psychiatric medications for the treatment of depression, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and other psychiatric diagnosis are highly effective. Many professionals in the drug addiction treatment world used to frown on the use of medication in the treatment of drug addiction, but that time has long since passed. For additional information relating to eating disorders, you can call the eating disorder helpline at 1-800-231-2950.

The Blended Model for the Treatment of Eating Disorders

The blended approach to eating disorder treatment seems to combine the best of all worlds. The eating disorder programs who embrace this treatment philosophy tend to view eating disorders as having several distinct components, all which respond differently to a specific form of treatment. This is the essence of individualized eating disorder treatment.

These eating disorder treatment centers hold to the philosophy that an eating disorder has a distinct addiction component to it that the patient is, in so many words, “powerless over”.  This does not mean they are not powerless over their choices, but if it involves consuming specific substances they can be assured cravings, compulsions and addictive behavior are sure to follow.

An eating disorder treatment center which adopts this philosophy believes in the use of psychiatric medications where necessary, as the great majority of people who enter treatment for an eating disorder have underlying mental health problems such as depression, post traumatic stress, anxiety, bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder.

Where some of the same therapy from the psychiatric model is utilized in the blended model, it also incorporates quite a bit of therapeutic techniques from the addiction treatment model. The use of experiential therapy, recreational therapy, art therapy and family therapy is highly recognized as being of great benefit to the person with an eating disorder. To locate an effective eating disorder program CALL our eating disorder helpline NOW at 1-800-231-2950 and we will be happy to help.

Some times trying to make the decision as to which eating disorder treatment program is best for you can be extremely confusing and stressful. Not only do you have to consider eating disorder treatment philosophies, but also the type of eating disorder treatment program, inpatient or outpatient, that will prove most effective. Don’t hesitate to call the helpline number listed above.