Treatment of psychological anorexia

Treatment of psychological anorexia

Psychogenic or neurotic anorexia refers to a serious life-threatening psychological disorder, this disorder often involves unrealistic body perceptions, an exaggerated fear of being overweight, drastic weight loss is the main sign of this disorder, those affected may also experience other symptoms such as fatigue and loss of muscle mass due to lack of nutrients.

• Medical care

People with anorexia may need frequent medical monitoring of vital signs, hydration and electrolyte level, treatment of any concomitant physical conditions, and in severe cases, people with this disorder may need to be fed through a nasogastric tube placed in the nose down to the stomach.

• Medicines

So far there are no approved drugs for the treatment of psychogenic anorexia, but sometimes doctors resort to prescribing antidepressants to control anxiety and depression that are common in people with this disorder and may make them feel better, however, antidepressants do not reduce the desire to lose weight.

• Reaching a healthy weight

The main goal of treating psychogenic anorexia is for the patient to reach a healthy weight , and it cannot be considered that the patient has recovered without reaching a healthy weight and acquiring appropriate eating habits , this process is usually carried out under the supervision and cooperation of a group of people, namely: 

• General practitioner

The doctor oversees the patient's calorie needs and weight gain.

• Psychiatrist

The psychologist can make behavioral adjustments to help the patient reach a healthy weight.

• nutrition specialist

His role is to draw up a nutritional plan, determine the amount of calories the patient needs to reach the desired weight, and also provide guidelines for returning to proper eating habits.

• Family

Family members of the patient may have a role in helping him maintain normal eating habits.

• Psychological treatment

Psychotherapy is an integral part of the process of treating psychogenic anorexia, below is an explanation of its types:

• Individual therapy

This therapy falls under a form of psychotherapy known as cognitive behavioral therapy, and the idea of cognitive behavioral therapy is to change the unhealthy thoughts and behaviors of a person with psychological anorexia, helping him learn to deal with his emotions and increase his self-confidence.

• Family therapy

Family therapy involves involving the patient's family members to help him adhere to healthy eating habits, and this therapy also helps to resolve conflicts within the family, building a support system for a psychogenic anorexia patient.

• Group therapy

The idea of group therapy is to bring together people with psychological anorexia, give them the opportunity to communicate and exchange experiences, but treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a psychologist; in order to avoid competition between patients to lose more weight.

• Home remedies

In addition to medical and psychological treatment, patients with psychogenic anorexia need to follow the following steps:

1. Adhere to the doctor's instructions, and the nutritional plan set by a nutritionist, even if you feel uncomfortable, and avoid missing treatment sessions.
2. Consult a doctor about the importance of taking appropriate vitamin and mineral supplements, especially if you are not eating well, although it is best to get most vitamins and minerals from food.
3. Avoid isolation from family members and friends.
4. Resist the urge to measure weight or frequent looking in the mirror.

• Article summary

Psychological anorexia is a disorder characterized by an intense fear of losing weight and an abnormal perception of body image, and can be overcome with psychotherapy and medical treatments, and by making a plan for the patient to reach a healthy weight through follow-up with doctors and specialists who help the patient to determine the best treatments that suit his health condition.