Treating Eating Disorders

The focus of treatment for eating disorders is helping individuals cope with their disordered eating behaviors and thinking and establish new patterns of thinking about and approaching food.

Treatment can include medical supervision, nutritional counseling, and therapy. The professionals try to address an individual's perception about his or her body size, shape, eating, and foods. Those who are severely malnourished may require hospitalization and ongoing care after their medical condition is stabilized. Generally, the earlier the intervention, the shorter the treatment that's required.