Medical Health Encyclopedia

In the study, patients were initially severely restricted from physical activity (anorexic patients were in wheelchairs and bulimic patients could only walk slowly). Meals were monitored using a scale connected to a computer to measure the amount of food taken off the plate and to match intake against a scale. The patients were then trained to eat more by watching their progress on the screen. After each meal, they rested for an hour in a warm room to restore body temperature (which is low in anorexia). A higher percentage of patients remained in remission than those who did not have this treatment. This approach warrants more research.

Interpersonal Therapy

Interpersonal therapy deals with depression or anxiety that might underlie the eating disorders along with social factors that influence eating behavior. This therapy does not deal with weight, food, or body image at all.

The goals are the following:

• To express feelings
• To discover how to tolerate uncertainty and change
• To develop a strong sense of individuality and independence
• To address any relevant sexual issues or traumatic or abusive event in the past that might be a contributor of the eating disorder

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Studies generally report that it is not as effective as cognitive therapy for bulimia and binge eating, but may be useful for some patients with anorexia. The skill of the therapist plays a strong role in its success.

Family Therapy

Because of the major role family attitudes play in eating disorders, one of the first steps in treating the patient with early-onset anorexia is to also treat the family. Family therapy is certainly useful for both younger and older patients.

If the patient is hospitalized, experts recommend that family therapy start after the patient has gained weight, but before discharge. It should usually continue after the patient has left the hospital.