5
TREATMENT
What Will Treatment Include?
• Every person's situation is different, so choosing the best
treatment options will be a shared decision between the patient
and treating clinicians, with adjustments in the plan made as
treatment progresses.
• Often family members or others in the person's support network
will give input on decisions about treatment.
• Typically, treatment of an eating disorder will be given by a
team of individuals with medical, psychiatric, psychological, and
nutritional expertise.
• Psychotherapy is a crucial element in the treatment of an eating
disorder.
• Medications may be suggested in some circumstances.
Determining the Best Level of Care
• There are multiple levels of care and care settings available to
help patients with eating disorders.
• The most common levels of care include outpatient, intensive
outpatient, residential, and hospital-based care.
• Within a level of care, some programs may have additional
capabilities, such as staff and facilities for managing serious
physical health complications.
• Because the right setting and level of care will depend on
multiple factors, the patient and family should discuss the most
appropriate level of care with the clinician.
