Outlook and treatment for anorexia nervosa?

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What is the outlook (prognosis)?

With treatment, anorexia can take weeks or even many months to improve. It can take several years for people with anorexia to become completely better. Many people find they still have issues with food, even after treatment, but they are more in control and can lead happier, more fulfilled lives.

Unfortunately, some people with anorexia die from causes related to anorexia. Causes of death include infections, dehydration, blood chemical imbalances (such as low potassium levels) and even suicide.

What is the treatment for anorexia nervosa?

The aim of treatment is to:

reduce risk of harm (and death) which can be caused by anorexia.
to encourage weight gain and healthy eating.
to reduce other related symptoms and problems.
to facilitate recovery to mental and physical well-being.

Most people who see their GP with anorexia will be referred to a specialist mental health team. Members of the team may include psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, dieticians and other professionals. The sort of treatments that may be offered include the following.

Help with eating. Having regular meals is better. Even if you only eat small meals it is beneficial to the body to eat at least three times a day. You should try and be honest (to yourself and other people) about the amount of food you are actually eating. You should reduce the number of times you weight yourself; try to only weigh yourself once a week. It may be useful to have an eating diary to write down all the food that you eat.
Psychological ('talking') treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy. Talking treatments help to look at the reasons why a person developed anorexia, aims to change any false beliefs that they may have about their weight and body, and how to identify and deal with emotional issues. Talking treatments take time and usually require regular sessions over several months.
Antidepressant medication may be advised in addition to talking treatments in some situations.
Treatment of any physical or teeth problems that may occur. This may include taking potassium supplements, dental care, and hopefully not using laxatives.
Self help measures may be appropriate for some people. There are a number of self help books and manuals available. These provide strategies on how to cope with and overcome anorexia. (The Eating Disorders Association listed at the end may be able to suggest current titles.) They are not suitable for everyone, particularly if the anorexia is severe.

Further help and information

beat - Eating Disorders Association
103 Prince of Wales Road, Norwich, NR1 1DW
Tel: 08456 341414 Web: www.edauk.com
Offers information and support.

Institute of Psychiatry/Maudsley Hospital
Web: www.iop.kcl.ac.uk/sites/edu/?id=131
This site has good information on medical complications of eating disorders and is kept up-to-date with research developments.