Anorexia Treatment

At Cassiobury Court, we know that it can be difficult to open up about having an eating disorder and accepting help can be a very daunting and confusing experience.

Our welcoming approach helps to remove the stress of receiving treatment for anorexia and our specialists will help to make recovery easier to deal with.

What is Anorexia?

Anorexia nervosa is one of the most common eating disorders and involves starving yourself – often to the point of becoming dangerously thin. It combines fear of gaining weight with a distorted view of the body image.

Mealtimes will often be stressful and eating habits will frequently occupy your thoughts. There are many reasons why anorexia may develop, both biological and environmental. Biological reasons can include depression, anxiety and even genetics.

The long term effects of anorexia are serious and can be potentially deadly. Over time, the illness will result in other health conditions; such as infertility, brittle bones, heart problems and depression. Chemical changes in the brain will result in irrational behaviour, which is why early treatment is important for success.

It is important to remember that everyone will suffer different symptoms to the illness so spotting that there is a problem is not always straightforward. However, some of the symptoms will include:

• Significant weight loss in a relatively short time
• Eating and drinking dramatically less than usual
• Significant increase in levels of exercise
• Obsessing about weight and food
• Loss of periods
• Decreased sex drive

Anorexia Treatment Options

There are a number of treatment methods for anorexia nervosa and it is important to recognise that no single treatment will work for everyone.

Upon admission, we will assess all of our clients and determine which treatment is most appropriate. It is also important to remember that gaining weight must be done safely and gradually, whilst ensuring that the correct nutrients are taken.

Therefore, our treatment is focused on addressing both the physical and the psychological effects of the illness. Treating the physical effects involves food planning to help to gain weight in a safe way.

Based on the 12-stop model, this is involved with treatment to address the psychological causes of the illness and will combine counselling and psychotherapy to help improve the body image and attitude to eating.

If you think you might have an eating disorder or you are worried about someone close to you, call Cassiobury Court to discuss what treatment programmes are available.