The signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa have been discussed in my article, 'know if you have Anorexia Nervosa' (click below). This article will explain treat this condition.
The treatment of anorexia nervosa involves nutritional rehabilitation, medical therapy and psychological treatment. Severe anorexia warrants inpatient treatment.
Instructions
1. Nutritional Rehabilitation:
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) states that a program of nutritional rehabilitation should be established for all patients with anorexia nervosa who are underweight. Expected rates of weight gain are 2 to 3 pounds per week for in-patients and 0.5 to 1 pound per week for outpatients.
Refeeding syndrome: Patients with severe anorexia nervosa are at risk for the refeeding syndrome during the first two to three weeks of refeeding. Refeeding syndrome is caused due to severe electrolyte imbalances causing multiple organ failures. Low phosphate, potassium, thiamine Vitamin B12 levels may result in cardiovascular collapse, extensive muscle breakdown, seizures, and delirium.
2. Medical therapy:
Pharmacotherapy of anorexia nervosa has been disappointing. However, the following medications may help in selected patients:
Fluoxetine (antidepressant)
Olanzapine (Anti-psychotic)
Alendronate (Bone builder)
Vitamin D, vitamin B12 for defficiency
3. Psychological treatment:
Family therapy encourages parents to refeed the anorexic child at home with the support of a family therapist.
Cognitive behavioral therapy emphasizes the relationship of thoughts and feelings to behavior and helps patients learn to recognize the thoughts and feelings that lead to disordered eating.
Tags: anorexia nervosa, Refeeding syndrome, thoughts feelings