Nowadays, we are bombarded with the constant and overwhelming pressure to achieve an unrealistic body image. We see it all the time, most often in advertisements and magazines which push its audience to virtually hating their own unique body types. That being said, it is hardly surprising to find that eating disorders are becoming one of the fastest growing behavioral conditions in the world today.
It must be stated here that eating disorders are serious health conditions. Not only do they have long-lasting consequences for patients, they can also be incredibly life-threatening especially if left untreated. That is why it is vital that people suffering from these conditions seek alternative treatments for eating disorders s soon as possible.
Like with most behavioral conditions, these disorders are often caused by a myriad of different factors coming together. For instance, as far as we know, there are physiological, psychological, and social factors which all play a part in the formation of these conditions. As such, patients must undergo a treatment plan which can comprehensively address the different aspects of the disease itself.
Alternative Treatments for Eating Disorders
Family-Based Approach
The family-based eating disorder treatment is most commonly used when the patient is of young age. So, this is usually commonly used for adolescents, young adults and children suffering from some form of eating disorder. This particular treatment plan will inevitably involve the person’s entire support network, in most cases, this is comprised primarily of their family.
The treatment itself is designed to ensure that the entire process of healing is made significantly easier for the patient. Aside from treating the patient’s symptoms and their underlying problems, their family is there to ensure that they get the support and love they need. Moreover, it also works on addressing any toxic family dynamic which contributes to the problem. At the end of the treatment, the patient should be able to walk away from the experience with an improved outlook on life while also forging stronger bonds with their loved ones.
This is most effective during the early stages of the disorder – when red flags start to manifest and the symptoms start to become more apparent. This approach seeks to intervene before the situation gets any worse.
Self-Help Treatments
This approach takes on an introspective approach. This is also commonly known as the psychological approach to treating eating disorders. With the help of a therapist, the patient is able to get to the bottom of their self-destructive tendencies.
The treatment seeks to correct the person’s cognitive processes(1). It focuses on identifying the unhealthy motivations, thoughts, and emotions which fosters the individual’s behavior. By doing away with the negative aspects and channeling their energies towards something productive, the treatment is able to permanently do away with the factors which create the patient’s eating disorder in the first place.
This article provides readers with a brief overview of the different alternative treatment options for eating disorders. Make sure to pay close attention to the defining characteristics of each approach so that you can have clear and realistic expectations.
You might also like this: Luxury Rehab Centers for Eating Disorders
(1) https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007%2F978-0-387-79948-3_1443
