Eating Disorders

Diagnosis

Eating disorders are diagnosed through an evaluation of symptoms, eating behaviors, and overall health. You may be assessed by both a primary healthcare provider and a mental health professional to confirm the diagnosis.

To reach an accurate diagnosis, several assessments may be done:

• Physical exam: A healthcare provider examines you to rule out other medical causes for your eating issues. Lab tests may also be ordered.

• Mental health evaluation: A mental health professional discusses your thoughts, emotions, eating habits, and behaviors. You might also complete questionnaires designed to identify specific eating disorder patterns.

• Other studies: Additional medical tests may be performed to detect complications resulting from disordered eating behaviors.

Treatment

Effective treatment for eating disorders typically requires a team-based approach, which often includes your healthcare provider, a mental health specialist, and sometimes a registered dietitian. It’s best to work with professionals experienced in treating eating disorders.

Treatment varies by the type and severity of the disorder, but generally focuses on:

• Learning about balanced nutrition

• Developing and maintaining healthy eating patterns

• Achieving a healthy weight (if underweight)

• Participating in behavioral or talk therapy

• Taking prescribed medications if necessary

If your condition poses an immediate risk to your health, hospitalization may be required for stabilization and monitoring.

Behavioral therapy

Behavioral therapy plays a key role in managing eating disorders. Commonly used approaches include:

• Family-based treatment (FBT): Primarily used for children and teenagers with anorexia, and also effective for bulimia and other eating issues. Family members are actively involved in supporting healthy eating and weight management.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Frequently used to treat bulimia and binge-eating disorder. Enhanced CBT (CBT-E) helps you monitor eating habits, understand triggers, manage mood, solve problems effectively, and develop healthy coping strategies for stress.

Medicines

While no medication can cure eating disorders outright, some may help manage specific symptoms or associated conditions:

• For bulimia or binge-eating disorder, certain medicines can reduce binge or purge urges.

• For anorexia, no medications have been shown to reliably promote weight gain or directly treat the disorder.

Medicines are often used alongside therapy and nutritional counseling rather than as a standalone treatment.

Hospitalization or specialized programs

If an eating disorder leads to severe health complications, your healthcare provider may recommend hospitalization for intensive medical and psychological care.

Some clinics offer day treatment programs as an alternative to inpatient care. These structured programs provide therapy, nutritional guidance, and medical supervision, helping you work toward recovery in a supportive environment over an extended period.