People need support from friends, family and other close people when they start coming to terms with their eating disorder and the underlying factors. However it is paramount that they get professional support to help ease their problematic relationship with food. Receiving help early on is crucial if a person with eating is experiencing eating problems. The first step is usually talking to a GP (even if it is not your regular doctor) who will check your symptoms, weight loss and eating habits and will determine whether you are likely to have an eating disorder.

They will normally ask you some simple questions about your background, lifestyle and general emotional state to identify the underlying factors and feelings behind your eating problems/disorder. GPs generally won’t usually have the time carry out any deeper investigations and will probably refer you onto a specialist in helping people with eating distress. After having an initial meeting with a specialist you will then be put onto a waiting list for treatments – if you do not get this sooner.

Below is a brief guide to medical treatments (talking and admission into hospital) and other complementary treatments, in which you may also want to consider…

Talking Treatments

Talking to a counsellor or psychotherapist can help you to deal with difficult feelings and behaviours, in a way that is constructive. They are trained to listen and help you explore the various strategies that will enable you to work to some kind of solution. Counsellors will usually work with you to deal with the problems you experience in the here and now, whole psychotherapists will work with you more intensively and in the longer term. You may also be referred to a psychologist who will practise Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This involves helping people to identify negative feelings (e.g. low self esteem, lack of self worth, etc) to replace them with positive ways of thinking. CBT is particularly effective for people experiencing eating disorders.

Group or family therapy is another option is useful if your family or people around you have been affected by your eating disorder and feel unable to help. This type of therapy will enable the group to communicate better and relate to your situation. 

Hospitalisation

In circumstances where someone’s eating disorder is affecting their health and wellbeing in a big way, they may be admitted into hospital. Treatments usually involve being fed to bring the body functions back to some kind or normality and talking treatments. The treatment will usually be tailored to suit the needs of the patient. Duration of treatment can vary and can sometimes be a couple of weeks to three months. This entirely depends on how severely malnutritioned the person is. It is also worth pointing out that treatment way not be local as not every authority will have an eating disorder inpatient unit. There are also private clinics and although have a similar approach, you are likely to have more of a say in the treatment you receive. It is worth checking out what their policies are on treatments as some practices are stricter than others and some may impose penalties if you do not comply. Many private eating disorder clinics may also offer complementary therapies including psychotherapy (individually or in groups), drug treatments and art therapies.

Note about treatments: The types and availability of treatments varies around the country and different types may be offered. Treatment should include dealing with the emotional as well as the physical issues.

We have deliberately omitted information on medications as we believe it is up to you and your doctor to decide what medicine(s) - if any - is best for you. This can be trial and error and may take some time before you find a medicine(s) that are effective.  For general or specific information medications please speak to your doctor or pharmacist.