Treatment For Adolescent Eating Disorders

Eating disorders in teens are far too common. Studies show that up to 10% of people will develop an eating disorder at any point in their life, and the rates of eating disorders in adolescents doubled after the onset of the pandemic. An eating disorder is a serious mental health condition that can have devastating effects on the mind and body. With treatment (and particularly early intervention), recovering from an eating disorder is possible and a teen can go on to regain a healthy relationship with food. Here are several treatment options for teenagers with eating disorders.

Early intervention is very important for successfully treating an eating disorder. If you’re a parent or loved one, you might be worried about how treatment will interrupt their academic performance and other responsibilities.

Medical intervention

The first step in treating teenage eating disorders typically involves a comprehensive medical assessment to evaluate their physical health. Depending on the severity of the eating disorder, the teen may be severely malnourished and have other health complications, such as cardiac arrhythmias or organ failure. Because a teen could be dealing with these health issues in secret or have unnoticed symptoms, it’s important to have them fully evaluated by medical professionals. Doctors and nutritionists then work together to create a personalized plan to get them healthy and nourished.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, especially an approach such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family-based treatment (FBT), or interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), is a cornerstone of eating disorder treatment. CBT helps teens identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to food, body image, and self-esteem. FBT involves the family in the recovery process to create a supportive environment at home. IPT addresses underlying interpersonal issues to improve communication skills, enhance self-esteem, and identify and manage emotional triggers.

A therapist trained to work with adolescent eating disorders will help a teen develop positive coping strategies and address unresolved trauma that may have led to disordered eating behaviors. Depending on the severity of their eating disorder, they may choose to do a program in a psychiatric hospital. This might involve:

• intensive outpatient programs (between 3 and 5 hours several times a week)

• partial hospitalization (between 6 and 10 hours most days of the week)

• residential treatment (24-hour supervision)

Group therapy and support groups

People who transition from intense one-on-one therapy point to group therapy as one of their biggest support systems. They provide teens with a sense of belonging and understanding as they connect with others their age who are facing similar battles. These groups offer a safe space for people share their experiences, fears, and wins. Being part of a supportive community can boost a teenager’s motivation and commitment to recovery. They’ll also learn from others who have successfully overcome their own eating disorders.

Nutritional counseling

Registered dietitians play an important role in treating adolescent eating disorders. They’re there to educate teens about balanced nutrition, healthy eating habits, and portion control. Nutritional counseling is crucial for establishing a positive relationship with food. Nutritionists teach patients to understand the difference between physical hunger and emotional triggers. They’ll work closely together to create tailored meal plans that meet whatever needs they have.

Getting help for your teen

Early intervention is very important for successfully treating an eating disorder. If you’re a parent or loved one, you might be worried about how treatment will interrupt their academic performance and other responsibilities. Parents should talk with the medical professionals on their treatment team about how to balance school and medical care. It may also be possible to speak with educators and create an adjusted schedule depending on the level of care your teen needs. What’s most necessary is getting them healthy–contact a therapist, doctor, or treatment center as soon as possible.

To find out more about eating disorder therapy, please reach out to us.