Bulimia is an eating disorder defined by restricting food for a period then binging; some sufferers also purge as well. The condition can be life-threatening and many choose to seek help in a bulimia treatment center. When making a treatment center choice, find out if the staff specializes in certain kinds of patients such as adolescents. Ask about the different levels of care available and whether treatment includes therapy for bulimia only or for other mental disorders and addictions as well. Be sure to learn about follow-up care offered through the center.
Treatment at a bulimia clinic may have a better success rate if the center specializes in a certain age group such as teens. Some centers also may work with specific populations such as mothers, homosexuals, or veterans. Clinics with a targeted patient type often offer tailored services that a more general bulimia treatment center will not.
Talk with center’s staff about the levels of care offered to patients. Individuals often require different types of therapy to overcome bulimia. Some will need intense psychotherapy; others will thrive with group therapy. Many bulimics also require vigilant food intake monitoring to ensure that they are not restricting or purging food. The appropriate bulimia treatment center will take these needs into consideration and be adaptable to meet changing patient requirements.
Considering the levels of care also means researching what kind of medical professionals work with patients and their average patient load. Psychotherapy often drives recovery, but it is usually is not enough to fully address bulimia issues. Centers should have staff nutritionists and behavioral therapists, for instance. The ratio of medical professionals to patients needs to be low enough that bulimics are given plenty of individual attention to address their disorder. Be sure to ask extensive questions about these issues before choosing a bulimia treatment center.
Many bulimics suffer from other mental illnesses such as depression or bipolar disorder. Some have experienced traumatic events including sexual assault; others have drug or alcohol addictions that exacerbate the bulimia. Within the assortment of medical professionals, confirm that at least some of the staff specializes in these areas and that care will be offered to address issues that may cause or worsen bulimia.
Finally, ask about post-center care. A bulimia support group and outpatient sessions with the same therapists are good options after a patient has been discharged. Inquire about ongoing nutritional counseling as well. These services may help bulimics better recover from the eating disorder.
