ANOREXIA TREATMENT CENTRE

WHAT IS ANOREXIA NERVOSA? 

Anorexia nervosa, more commonly known as anorexia, is an eating disorder that causes people to starve themselves because they believe that they are overweight when, in reality, their body weight actually falls below what is considered healthy.

It is characterised by abnormally low body weight, distorted perception of weight and the intense fear of putting on weight. Those who suffer from anorexia prioritise controlling their weight and body shape, resorting to extreme efforts which significantly affect their lives. The disease takes many forms, from restricting the number of calories to depriving themselves of nutrition, resulting in extremely low body weight. 

They may also force vomiting after eating to control their calorie intake or misuse laxatives, diet aids, diuretics and enemas to achieve their goals. Sufferers of anorexia also have a distorted view of their own body shape and size. 

The disorder is not related to food but how sufferers use the above highly unhealthy methods, which can be life-threatening to cope with emotional distress. Anorexics equate thinness with self-worth. This disorder can control the sufferer’s life and is very difficult for them to overcome.

The best option to help those with anorexia is to get treatment. Anorexia treatments, such as those provided by PROMIS, help those with this disorder to get a better understanding of who they are while returning to healthier eating habits.

Our treatment also helps those to reverse some of the complications that have arisen from anorexia behaviours.

WHAT CAUSES ANOREXIA NERVOSA?

Anorexia eating disorder occurs when a person has an extreme fear of gaining weight, so they will stop eating and lose weight. The exact cause of the disease is unknown, but it is thought that a combination of different factors can lead to anorexia.

For example, some people may have genes that make them more susceptible to the disorder. It can also be linked with a history of sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

It is difficult to determine the exact cause because so many factors can lead to the disorder. We do know, however, that it is likely a combination of different factors.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SOMEONE HAS ANOREXIA?

Anorexia is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. Individuals with anorexia may have intense feelings of shame and low self-esteem. Many people who suffer from anorexia have a distorted body image.

They may see themselves as too fat even when they are dangerously thin. Emotional or physical problems, such as sudden weight gain during puberty, usually trigger anorexia. Other causes include depression, anxiety, or other mental illness. 

Anorexia can lead to slowed growth, low blood pressure and heart rate, brittle bones that break easily from minimal trauma (such as accidentally bumping into furniture), and even kidney damage.

Getting help from professionals from a medical facility in an eating disorder clinic like PROMIS is the only effective treatment option.

OTHER EATING DISORDERS

Specified feeding or eating disorders come in all shapes and sizes. Anorexia falls into this category; however, others share some traits, and although there are clear differences, it’s important to understand that eating disorders are a category that has many disorders. At PROMIS, we are a private eating disorder centre that offers treatment and support for all types of eating disorders. Here are some of the most common illnesses that we treat at our centre:

• Bulimia Nervosa: Bulimia is a mental health condition characterised by frequent episodes of binge eating, often in secrecy, followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviours such as inducing vomiting, abusing laxatives, or excessively exercising.
• Binge Eating Disorder: Like bulimia, binge eating disorder is an eating addiction that involves episodes of overeating within a short period of time, followed by feelings of guilt and shame. However, unlike bulimia, this type of compulsive eating is not followed by purging exercises, which is the key difference between the two disorders.
• Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED): It is not always easy to define eating disorders as people have diverse natures and their condition may not fit perfectly into one of the disorders listed. When a person’s symptoms do not fully match a particular disorder, they are usually classified as having an “other specified feeding or eating disorder”.
• Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): This disorder often involves avoiding or limiting certain foods.

Although these disorders are all different to anorexia, if you feel you may categorise yourself better into one of these or want more information on them you can visit our food addiction page to find out more about them.

WHAT IS THE TYPICAL TREATMENT PROGRAMME FOR ANOREXIA?

Eating disorder treatments depend on various factors, including the condition itself and the severity of it. PROMIS provides specialist eating disorder services for anorexia in the form of various therapies, nutritional and diet management, and pharmacological medication as and when required.

Our treatment plans are tailored to each individual and provide ongoing support, not only throughout the inpatient treatment but long after through rehabilitation and aftercare services. 

• Therapeutic Interventions: Therapy forms a crucial part of the treatment for anorexia. PROMIS offers various therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps patients understand and change their thought patterns and behaviours related to eating and body image. Other forms of therapy may include interpersonal therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. These therapies aim to address the psychological aspects of anorexia, helping individuals cope with emotional issues, improve self-esteem, and develop healthier attitudes towards food and body image.
• Nutritional and Diet Management: An integral part of treating anorexia involves nutritional rehabilitation and education. Dieticians and nutritionists at PROMIS work with patients to develop personalised meal plans. These plans are designed to ensure safe and gradual weight gain, restore nutritional balance, and help patients develop a healthy relationship with food. Nutritional counselling also educates patients about the importance of balanced eating and helps dispel myths about food and weight.
• Pharmacological Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed as part of the treatment for anorexia. This is typically considered when there are co-existing mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, or to manage specific symptoms of the eating disorder. The use of medication is always carefully monitored and is often used in conjunction with therapy and nutritional support.
• Holistic and Supportive Care: PROMIS also focuses on holistic care, which may include alternative activities and other stress-reduction techniques. These are designed to complement traditional treatments and support overall mental and physical well-being. Additionally, support groups and peer support are often available, providing a community where individuals can share experiences and offer mutual support.
• Aftercare and Relapse Prevention: Once initial treatment phases are completed, ongoing support and aftercare become important. This includes regular follow-ups, continued therapy sessions, and monitoring to prevent relapse. Education about relapse prevention strategies is also a key component, equipping individuals with the skills to maintain their recovery in the long term.

We believe every patient suffering from an eating disorder, including anorexia, should be provided with multidisciplinary treatment options and have access to eating disorder help. These mental health disorders can be extremely serious and have severe consequences if not treated professionally through a specialist eating disorder clinic. 

THE BENEFITS OF GETTING ANOREXIA TREATMENT

Anorexia nervosa, commonly known as anorexia, is a serious eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. Seeking treatment, especially private and specialist treatment, for anorexia is crucial, as it can have severe physical and psychological consequences. Here are some key benefits of getting anorexia treatment:

• Improved Physical Health: Anorexia can lead to a multitude of health issues, including heart problems, bone density loss, and severe malnutrition. Early and effective treatment, particularly through private care, can help reverse or mitigate these risks, leading to improved overall physical health and the ability to maintain a healthy body weight.
• Psychological Healing: Anorexia is often accompanied by mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive behaviours. Specialist treatment helps address these underlying issues, promoting psychological healing and emotional well-being.
• Development of Healthy Eating Habits: Treatment programs for anorexia, especially those provided by specialist facilities, focus on developing a healthier relationship with food. This includes regular, balanced meals and overcoming fears associated with food and weight gain.
• Enhanced Self-Esteem and Body Image: Anorexia treatment helps individuals rebuild a healthy relationship with their body. Therapy sessions often include work on self-esteem and body image, helping patients to view themselves in a more positive light.
• Support Systems: Private treatment provides access to dedicated support systems, including therapists, nutritionists, and support groups. These networks offer personalized guidance, understanding, and encouragement throughout the recovery process.
• Coping Strategies: Patients learn valuable coping strategies to deal with stressors and triggers that may have contributed to the development of anorexia. This includes managing emotions and stress in healthy ways, without resorting to disordered eating behaviours.
• Prevention of Long-Term Complications: Early intervention and specialist treatment can prevent the long-term complications associated with anorexia, including chronic health issues and severe psychological disorders.
• Improved Quality of Life: Recovering from anorexia opens the door to a more fulfilling and enjoyable life. It allows individuals to engage in social activities, pursue interests, and focus on personal growth without the constraints of the disorder.
• Empowerment and Independence: Effective treatment, especially in a private setting, empowers individuals to take control of their lives and make healthy decisions. This newfound independence is crucial for long-term recovery and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
• Restoration of Hope: Perhaps most importantly, specialist treatment restores hope. It provides a path forward for those who may have felt trapped by their disorder, showing that recovery is possible and that a healthier, happier life is within reach.

GET HELP WITH PROMIS EATING DISORDER TREATMENT CENTRE

Begin your eating disorder recovery journey from anorexia with PROMIS. If you’re struggling with an eating disorder, our expert help from a multidisciplinary team of professionals can make all the difference. Contact us today at our inpatient eating disorder clinic and get the help and support that you need for anorexia.