- How should the food be
- What supplements may be needed
- When to have therapy with a psychologist
- When it is necessary to use medicines
- How long will the treatment take
- Signs of improvement and worsening
Treatment for anorexia mainly includes group, family and behavioral therapies, as well as a personalized diet and taking dietary supplements, to combat nutritional deficiencies caused by the disease that prevent people from eating properly.
In addition, it may be necessary to take antidepressant drugs prescribed by a psychiatrist, and in the most severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to place a nasogastric tube to ensure the correct feeding.
How should the food be
The nutritional treatment for anorexia nervosa aims to help the person to make a more adequate diet to keep the body healthy and avoid diseases.
During the treatment, it is important to make several consultations with a nutritionist to carry out an eating plan appropriate to the tastes and lifestyle. healthy.
Nutritional treatment thus helps to avoid or treat the consequences of lack of food, such as thin hair, hair loss, weak nails, constipation or dry skin, for example. Here are some tips from our nutritionist:
What supplements may be needed
The supplements that the doctor or nutritionist may recommend are multivitamins, such as Centrum, which help replenish vitamins and minerals that are not being eaten in sufficient quantity through food. These types of supplements can be taken for about 3 months, and the need for their use after that period should be reassessed.
Supplements are calorie free and therefore not fattening, but should not be taken as a substitute for healthy eating and the amount of calories needed to regain health.
When to have therapy with a psychologist
Being accompanied by a psychologist is also a very important part of the treatment to overcome anorexia because this professional can use strategies to raise awareness of the correct body image, and help the person to find the root of their problems and the possible solutions they can adopt.
Consultations should be carried out at least once a week, indefinitely, until the person reaches the ideal weight and is able to remain stable and socially prepared for life.
When it is necessary to use medicines
The psychologist, during therapy consultations, may consider that the person needs to take medication against anxiety and depression, in order to facilitate treatment and increase well-being. If this happens, a referral is usually made to the psychiatrist, so that this doctor can prescribe the necessary medications.
How long will the treatment take
The duration of treatment against anorexia is very individual, because it depends on many factors, such as the person's general health stage, mental health and commitment to follow the nutritionist's guidelines, in addition to taking the medication properly and participating actively in psychotherapy sessions.
It is normal to have some relapses, and the person thinks about giving up treatment because he thinks he is getting too fat, and that he will not be accepted socially, so all family and friends need patience.
Signs of improvement and worsening
Some signs of improvement in anorexia are: do not spend more than 3 and a half hours without eating, hair and nails become stronger, skin is more hydrated and beautiful, eat family meals and regain a healthy weight.
The signs of worsening in anorexia, on the other hand, are to continue making prolonged periods without eating, not having family meals, missing therapy, continuing to lose weight or even lacking energy for daily activities such as bathing.
