The
treatment for Anorexia is very difficult because the patient believes nothing
is wrong with them. If someone is treated in the early stages of
Anorexia (less than 6 months or with just a small amount of weight loss)
they may be successful and not be admitted to the hospital. To be
successful, the anorexic must want to change and realize that family and
friends are helping because they care.
If someone has
a more serious case of Anorexia they will need care in the hospital.
(hospitals usually have a special
unit for anorexics or bulimics) The treatment involves more than
just changing the persons way of life. He/she will need counseling
for a year or more to work on changing the feelings that are causing them
to eat wrong. Some feelings may be about their weight, family problems,
or problems with self-esteem. Some patients are helped by taking
medicine that helps them to feel less depressed. These medicines
are prescribed by a doctor and used along with counseling.