Types of Eating Disorder Treatment

Because eating disorders come in all shapes, sizes, and manifestations, there is a plethora of treatment options for them. Based on the severity of your eating disorder and the extent of assistance you may need, there is a treatment program for you. Here are the four main eating disorder treatment settings:

1.      Outpatient:

Outpatient treatment is your most basic form of treatment. It typically includes a weekly therapy sessions, dietician appointments, medical appointments, or psychiatrist appointments if needed. Outpatient care is for medically stable individuals who can are still able to function at a normal level socially, physically, psychologically, etc.

IOP (Intensive Outpatient) is a different form of outpatient treatment. Where basic outpatient treatment involves clinicians in private-practice or offices, IOP programs typically take place at a hospital or facility. For example, patients may come go to a clinic or hospital setting for a few hours a day to attend group therapy, individual therapy, and/or meal times. IOP is a more structured form of outpatient because individuals may still require supervision, but are physically healthy enough where they don’t need to be hospitalized. 

2.      Partial Hospitalization

If outpatient treatment has not been successful for an individual, they may go to a partial hospitalization program. Patients in partial are medically stable but psychiatrically cannot function as a result of their eating disorder. These individuals still actively engage in their eating disorder behaviors on a daily basis and need consistent monitoring of them. 

3.      Residential

Residential treatment is the next step up on the treatment totem pole. Individuals who go to a residential treatment center are medically stable however they cannot cope or function well enough on their own to partake in their everyday lives. Patients in residential require more intense supervision and structure and have typically not responded to outpatient or partial hospitalization. Residential treatment is typically more long-term. Individuals typically stay a minimum of 2-3 months and will remain in the program until they are psychologically stable enough to be on their own again.

Many, if not all, residential programs work with outpatient teams to make sure an individual has resources upon their release. This treatment team will consist of a therapist, dietician, psychiatrist, and medical doctor. 

4.      Inpatient

Inpatient is the most intensive level of eating disorder treatment. People who require inpatient treatment are medically unstable (which is determined by: vitals, weight, lab results, and other medical issues.) Patients are also psychiatrically unstable as their disorder is progressing at a rapid rate and have gotten to the point where they cannot function in society.

It is not uncommon for individuals in inpatient to suffer from suicidal thoughts.

As you can see, there are a lot of different treatment options for eating disorders. Some people can recover through outpatient services, while others need more intensive and supervised care. The important thing is that any individual suffering gets treatment. One does not have to be underweight, malnourished, or on their deathbed to receive treatment.

Many treatment centers and programs also accept insurance and will try to work with the patient as much as possible to ensure they receive the help they need.

Visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org for more information.

And if you or anyone you know is suffering, please encourage them to seek help.