Treatment for Anorexia

The treatment goals for patients with anorexia require a team approach. Doctors should immediately check and treat any medical problems related to the condition, such as bone loss, imbalances in important electrolytes, and any hormonal deficiencies, including thyroid and reproductive hormones. Nutrition rehabilitation and psychotherapy also plays an important part in anorexia therapy.

Many moderately to severely ill anorexic patients require hospitalization, particularly under the following circumstances:

• When weight loss continues even with outpatient treatment
• When weight is 30% below ideal body weight
• When depression is severe or the patient is suicidal
• When there are symptoms of medical complications (e.g., disturbed heart rate, low potassium levels, altered mental status, low blood pressure, severe sensations of cold)

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In some severe cases, patients with anorexia may need to be hospitalized involuntarily. A 2000 study reported that such patients respond as well as patients who were admitted voluntarily. And, most later agreed that such treatment had been necessary.

Duration of Inpatient Treatment. For people with severe anorexia, many experts believe that 10 to 12 weeks of hospitalization with full nutritional support are required to reach ideal body weight. Check to see how many days your insurance company allows for inpatient treatment. Many rarely cover more than 15 days in the hospital, which places patients with severe anorexia at great risk for relapse and serious health consequences. It is particularly critical for women with both diabetes and anorexia to achieve 100% of ideal weight before being released.