Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa

Usually several people work together as a team to treat a child. Also there are several kinds of treatment that are important. Each kind of treatment is very important to recovery.

Who helps in treatment?

• Pediatrician. Usually your child's doctor is involved. Other kinds of doctors might also be involved depending on your child's medical health.
• Therapist. This may be a psychologist (Ph.D.), social worker (M.S.W.) or psychiatrist (M.D.).
• Nutritionist. Education about what to eat and how much to eat is key. Management of healthy eating is also needed.

What kind of treatment?

• Individual therapy. This helps to change your child's thought patterns and eating behaviors. This approach is called cognitive behavioral therapy. It is the most commonly used therapy.
• Family therapy. A supportive family that is part of treatment is key to recovery. Often there are things family members can do to help the patient get better. Also they can learn about the illness.
• Medication therapy. Medication, such as anti-depressants, sometimes can be helpful. A psychiatrist or your pediatrician would prescribe these.
• Medical treatment. Anorexia often affects many parts of the body. Issues might include low blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat. Also brittle bones and kidney problems are common. Sometimes these problems can be treated in the doctor's office. Sometimes a child will need to stay in the hospital for treatment.

How is treatment decided?

• Child factors. Your child's age, health and medical history are considered.
• Severity of illness. Length of illness, complications, and kinds of symptoms are considered.
• Outcome of previous attempts at treatment.
• Expectations for treatment.
• Motivation for change.
• Parents' opinions.

Resources that may be helpful:

• When Your Child Has An Eating Disorder, A Step-by-Step Workbook For Parents And Other Caregivers, by Abigail H. Natenshon, 1999.
• Eating disorders : A handbook for teens, families, and teachers, by Tania Heller, 2003.
• Facts for Families athttp://www.aacap.org/publications/factsfam/EATING.HTM.