Finding the Best Anorexia, Bulimia and Eating Disorder Treatment for Women

Last updated on October 28, 2016
2016-10-28T23:10:14+00:00
“If you are a woman who is struggling with an eating disorder, there is help available, and eating disorder treatment centers can help you safely recover.”

Many women suffer from eating disorders, including bulimia and anorexia. Eating disorders often begin in childhood and stem from a variety of factors that include child abuse, low self-esteem, childhood obesity, and peer pressure. Additionally, the unfortunate reality is that many women have a distorted idea of what their bodies should look like due to unrealistic advertisements and depictions of women in the media.

Eating disorders sometimes lead to serious mental and physical health problems, and in severe cases, starvation of the body leads to heart failure and death. If you are a woman who is struggling with an eating disorder, there is help available, and eating disorder treatment centers can help you safely recover.

The Broad Spectrum of Eating Disorders

A variety of factors trigger eating disorders, and they affect women at all stages of life; however, statistics from the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders show that 95 percent of eating disorders in females occur between the ages of 12 and 25.5. Anorexia is a disorder in which the individual literally starves herself, taking in only minuscule amounts of food per day, resulting in rapid weight loss. Bulimia is a disorder that consists of binge eating, followed by purging of the stomach contents in an attempt to lose weight.

Eating disorders are common in women with histories of childhood abuse, childhood obesity and mental health disorders. Often, the eating disorder itself is a way for the individual to create a feeling of control in her chaotic life, and behaviors such as calorie counting, obsessive exercise, and binging and purging help the female feel more in control of her situation. The longer these behaviors last, the higher the risk for long-term health and mental issues, which is why finding a reputable eating disorder treatment facility is of the utmost importance. The ritualistic behaviors that accompany anorexia and bulimia are often deeply entrenched, and treating the disease means changing the thought patterns and behaviors of women with these disorders.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers for Eating Disorders

Choosing the right rehabilitation program for an eating disorder depends on several factors. Many women suffer from eating disorders combined with depression or other mental illnesses, and in order to treat the anorexia and bulimia efficiently, treatment programs must address the underlying mental illness. According to Screening for Mental Health, approximately 50 percent of individuals with eating disorders also meet the criteria for depression, and getting to the core issue of the depressive illness is essential during the eating disorder treatment process. Dual diagnosis treatment centers are an ideal choice for anyone suffering from a combined disorder, as they ensure that the patient receives the proper medication and therapy needed to treat a broad range of symptoms.

When Is Inpatient Care Appropriate?

Inpatient eating disorder treatment programs are a good option for women with severe eating disorders who are in need of 24-hour monitoring and care due to psychological impairment or the need for medical interventions. Inpatient programs typically range from 30 to 90 days in length, and patients participate in classes, group therapy and individual counseling sessions. These programs provide women with safe and secure room and board while they receive treatment tailored to their specific needs, allowing for a true chance at recovery without distractions of the outside world.

Outpatient Treatment Programs for Eating Disorders

In addition to inpatient and dual diagnosis programs, there are also outpatient treatment programs for individuals with anorexia, bulimia and other eating disorders. These programs provide daily treatment and counseling on an outpatient basis. Health professionals often recommend outpatient treatment programs for women who have already gone through an inpatient eating disorder program and in need of continuing care. Outpatient programs also help lower-risk patients who are able to function at home, work and school as they recover.

What to Expect During Treatment

After enrolling in an inpatient or outpatient anorexia or bulimia treatment program, you first undergo an assessment with the program’s administrative and medical staff. The assessment allows staff members to determine the best program to suit your specific needs. During the assessment, expect to discuss your eating habits and undergo a physical examination to determine the current state of your physical health. If staff members recommend inpatient treatment after the assessment is complete, expect to check in to the rehab facility within a day or two.Specific treatment programs depend on patients’ needs, but each program typically consists of daily exercise, eating disorder classes that teach healthy eating habits, and counseling on the physical health problems that eating disorders sometimes cause. In addition to classes and exercise, patients often participate in group activities, group therapy, and individual and family counseling sessions.Once the program is complete, patients often have the option to continue treatment through outpatient therapy, and in certain cases, patients move to transitional living facilities in which they reside in a safe environment with their peers as they transition back into the outside world safely.

Early Intervention Is Essential

If you are struggling with an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia, or, like many women, are dealing with co-occurring eating disorders and depression, seeking help as soon as problematic symptoms arise is essential to a full recovery. For example, according to the National Eating Disorders Association, women who seek help for bulimia within 5 years of the appearance of symptoms have an 80 percent chance of recovery, but if symptoms exist for more than 15 years without treatment, the chances of recovery fall to just 20 percent.

Professional anorexia and bulimia treatment programs are specifically designed to help those struggling with eating disorders. These programs teach women how to view their bodies in a positive light, deal with past control issues, and create new and healthy relationships with food.

If you are ready to take the first step towards recovery from your eating disorder, contact us today at to discuss your options with a professional who can advise you on the best possible course of action for your specific treatment needs. You deserve health, happiness and a helping hand today.