Eating Disorders: Treatment

Eating disorders are characterized by a combination of abnormal eating patterns (including one or more of the following: severe dietary restriction, [Page 1276]bingeing, self-induced vomiting or other compensatory behavior, and compulsive exercise) and are often accompanied by overconcern with shape and weight. Depending on symptom severity and degree of psychosocial impairment, an interdisciplinary team of providers may be required to address the unique and multidimensional aspects of the illness. For moderate or severe eating pathology, treatment ideally includes psychotherapeutic intervention (from a psychologist or other mental health care provider), nutritional counseling (from a dietitian or nutritionist), and medical management (usually provided by a general practitioner); sometimes a psychiatrist is also indicated. Eating disorders of mild severity can often be treated successfully with weekly outpatient psychotherapy ...