TREATMENT // The Recovery Process
Treatment plans are often comprehensive, focusing on multiple aspects of a person’s relationship with food (Weight Matters). Since bulimia often occurs alongside of other health problems, treatment facilities address components that impact a person with bulimia in a way that allows them to develop new frameworks for their entire lifestyle (Weight Matters). Currently, there is about a 50% success rate for those who seek treatment in recovering fully from their bulimia (E-Medicine Health). However, it is important to note that eating disorders will always present difficulties, as the person has the responsibility of consciously choosing to better their relationship with food during every meal.
Common disorders associated with bulimia include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, obsessive-compulsive disorder, frequent panic attacks, and borderline personality disorder. By understanding the ways in which these disorders overlap, there is a better success rate for a person recovering from bulimia (E-Medicine Health). For example, the control one feels over their food consumption – commonly found in bulimics – is also common in a person with OCD; treating the commonality – a desire for control – will help a person recover from both their OCD and their bulimia. By opening the door for a more in-depth conversation, people with bulimia will be able to better understand themselves and have tools to combat their disorder (MMSA).
One of the most severe aspects of bulimia are extreme feelings of wanting to commit suicide. This can also make treatment difficult, as people suffering with bulimia may appear to be withdrawn, preoccupied with death, or show a disinterest in their life. Coupling these thoughts with other potential risky behaviors or disorders illustrates the necessity for extensive treatment facilities (NEDA).
There are variations in treatment options, ranging in things like outpatient clinics to 90 day intensive rehabilitation centers. The aim of all treatment facilities is to give access to resources that can aid a person suffering from bulimia develop a more healthy relationship with food (MMSA). Most often, therapy sessions will include conversations on how to create healthy, balanced meals, along with demonstrations of having a patient eat in front of the therapist (Weight Matters). Depending on the severity of the disorder, a person may be prohibited from going to the restroom alone - only to create accountability that purging is not occurring (E-Medicine Health). If a person with bulimia has chosen to do an at home treatment plan, there is often a family member or loved one aiding in the recovery process. Since bulimia does often occur alongside of other disorders, medication to combat these may be prescribed as an additional aid in the recovery process.
For additional help, feel free to call the National Eating Disorders Association hotline at 1-800-931-2237.
Common disorders associated with bulimia include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, obsessive-compulsive disorder, frequent panic attacks, and borderline personality disorder. By understanding the ways in which these disorders overlap, there is a better success rate for a person recovering from bulimia (E-Medicine Health). For example, the control one feels over their food consumption – commonly found in bulimics – is also common in a person with OCD; treating the commonality – a desire for control – will help a person recover from both their OCD and their bulimia. By opening the door for a more in-depth conversation, people with bulimia will be able to better understand themselves and have tools to combat their disorder (MMSA).
One of the most severe aspects of bulimia are extreme feelings of wanting to commit suicide. This can also make treatment difficult, as people suffering with bulimia may appear to be withdrawn, preoccupied with death, or show a disinterest in their life. Coupling these thoughts with other potential risky behaviors or disorders illustrates the necessity for extensive treatment facilities (NEDA).
There are variations in treatment options, ranging in things like outpatient clinics to 90 day intensive rehabilitation centers. The aim of all treatment facilities is to give access to resources that can aid a person suffering from bulimia develop a more healthy relationship with food (MMSA). Most often, therapy sessions will include conversations on how to create healthy, balanced meals, along with demonstrations of having a patient eat in front of the therapist (Weight Matters). Depending on the severity of the disorder, a person may be prohibited from going to the restroom alone - only to create accountability that purging is not occurring (E-Medicine Health). If a person with bulimia has chosen to do an at home treatment plan, there is often a family member or loved one aiding in the recovery process. Since bulimia does often occur alongside of other disorders, medication to combat these may be prescribed as an additional aid in the recovery process.
For additional help, feel free to call the National Eating Disorders Association hotline at 1-800-931-2237.
![Picture](/uploads/4/8/8/4/48845143/565286_orig.gif)
This diagram illustrates some of the psychological components of bulimia - including the mental disorders that can occur alongside of the eating disorder. I think that this is helpful, as it reinforces why treatment plans are often so comprehensive. This disorder is more than just a behavioral problem with food; rather, it is a deeply rooted neurological and psychological disorder. This image is from www.womenshealthmatters.ca/health-centres/mental-health/eating-disorders/vicious-cycle/.