Residential Treatment for Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are very common among young girls, and there are also some young boys that are affected by it as well. Residential treatment for eating disorders can be what is necessary to help them get back on track. Some of the aspects that are covered in such a program include positive self image, eating a healthy diet, and behavior changes so that their outlook relating to food is different.

Medical care is often a big part of a residential treatment program for eating disorders. This is because a child could be seriously in jeopardy of health problems relating to the vital organs. The three types of eating disorders treated at such facilities including bulimia, anorexia, and binging.

What to Look for in an Eating Disorder Treatment Program

When a person has an eating disorder it can affect them on many levels. It is about much more than just taking in food. This is why a quality program will take care of the needs of the person from all angles. A holistic approach is necessary so that overall the person is in a better physical and mental condition when they leave. Look for a program that offers a program to cover:

  • Physical needs
  • Mental well being
  • Emotional concerns
  • Social well being
  • Spiritual healing

Socialization is Important

Even though people with eating disorders do have support around them, they often feel isolated. They may not have many friends if they are preoccupied with food or their weight. At as residential treatment program for eating disorders though they can be in groups with other people going through similar experiences. The bonds that form here can be very strong and they can help a person to heal.

Combination Treatments

Since many individuals with an eating disorder also have some other problems they need help with you will find combination treatments. The initial assessment for your child may show that this is necessary. It is determined that many people use eating as a crunch for other underlying disorders. By treating them as well it will significantly increase the chances of success. Some of these issues include:

  • PTSD
  • OCD
  • Bipolar
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Personality disorder
  • Sleep disorder
  • Substance abuse

Assessment

Sometimes the initial assessment will determine that it isn’t an eating disorder that someone has to deal with. It could be that their eating has changed due to other issues. This is why an in depth assessment about behaviors and changes needs to be conducted. This type of program won’t work if that isn’t what your child really needs to be involved with.

The assessment that is done with your child to determine if a residential treatment program is a good match needs to include many qualified specialists. They include:

  • Therapist
  • Family doctor
  • Psychiatrist
  • Dietitian
  • Specialist in the area of eating disorders

Identifying Triggers

There are so many triggers in our society that are known to be associated with eating disorders. Part of the process in a residential treatment program is for each teen to identify what their own triggers are. From that information a plan of action can be put in motion to make changes. When such triggers develop again in society they will have the skills to handle them in a different light.

Change Ideas and Feelings about Food

Depending on the type of eating disorder someone has, their attitude about food can be from one extreme to the next. For example someone that is anorexic doesn’t eat enough at all so the body lacks vitamins and nutrients. For someone that is bulimic or binging they will consume too much food. They turn to it as a coping mechanism.

It does take time to change the mindset a person has when it comes to food. That is why dieting is so hard for most people to stick to. However, a residential treatment program for eating disorders isn’t about dieting. Instead, it is about teaching people to make positive changes in their life. Hopefully, the changes will be for life and promote healthy eating and a great self image in the process.

Here are additional resources you might be interested in:

How to Pay for Residential Treatment

Speak to an expert about Residential Treatment for Eating Disorders and how it may help your child.

Connect with an Admissions Counselor who specializes in Residential Treatment for Eating Disorders to help your teen begin their recovery today.

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