Eating disorders generally are serious health problems that may lead to irreversible medical consequences or even death. They can cause radical metabolic changes in the body, so eating disorder recovery is not always as simple as merely changing a diet. There are many types of eating disorders, like anorexia, bulimia, compulsive overeating and night eating. According to the differences between these conditions, each requires its own specific method of recovery. In most cases, it is generally advised to consult a doctor or a health care professional regarding the best means of eating disorder recovery.
Many different types of therapy and recovery are available. The success of each method usually depends on both the specifics of the disorder and the afflicted individual. Eating disorder recovery normally emphasizes notions such as changing existing eating habits in a healthy manner, developing a positive body image, and building confidence. The objective is to alter the individual’s relation to food, while strengthening their self-esteem.
Traditional family doctors have generally become more attentive to eating disorders. They may be able to provide a preliminary diagnosis of the problem. Family doctors can also help plan a road to recovery, or set up future appointments with a specialist.
Health care centers exist which specialize in eating disorder recovery. They can provide a diagnosis of the eating disorder and recommend forms of treatment. Types of treatment centers include residential treatment centers, where the patient lives while undergoing recovery.
Since many eating disorders are psychological conditions, counseling is also a possible method of eating disorder recovery. Mental health professionals, psychologists, and psychiatrists can offer assistance by meeting individually with a patient. This can provide emotional and psychological support, while the patient begins to understand the possible causes of their eating disorder.
Seeing a dietician or nutritionist may help in the planning and changing of existing eating habits. These professionals can carefully analyze your eating habits and propose a dieting regimen to alleviate the problem. Dieticians generally strive to create an individual relationship with the patient and tailor a program to fit the needs of the patient.
There are numerous autobiographical accounts of people suffering from eating disorders that have been published. These books may be a valuable resource, providing an account of the disorder with which the reader can identify. These narratives can help humanize the disorder and make recovery seem more plausible. In the same vein, support groups that meet either in person or online could be a good medium to share eating disorder problems and possible methods of recovery. Many times, the feeling that one is not alone in their problems is an important part of the recovery process.
