Another form of community based treatment is outpatient treatment. Outpatient treatment is connected to public and private hospitals, and can either be accessed on its own, or as a step-down from inpatient treatment (see below). Many people with eating disorders do not need 24-hour care, but they do need ongoing treatment from a hospital service. These people may attend outpatient units on a regular basis, where they may be seen by a team of health professionals from many different disciplines, or they may see a solo practitioner like a dietitian, a psychologist or a psychiatrist. People are encouraged to maintain everyday responsibilities while attending an outpatient program, like attending school/university or going to work.
Getting started
There is good evidence that generally, the quicker you start treatment for an eating disorder, the shorter the time will be until you are recovered. However, try to remember that anyone can recover, even if you have been experiencing your eating disorder for a long time.
Starting treatment for an eating disorder can be challenging in many ways. We often hear from people who don’t feel they are ‘sick enough’ to warrant treatment, or they are struggling to find the desire to get better. Understanding the stages of change can be a useful way to help you understand how you’re feeling.
Treatment overview
Eating disorder treatment pathways for adults in Victoria is structured into 3-tiers. There are public and private options in all tiers.
- Community Based Treatment
- Day Programs
- Inpatient treatment
In general, treatment will involve a combination of the following:
- Psychotherapy (therapy, counselling or psychological intervention usually through a psychologist, psychiatrist or mental health social worker)
- Physical health management (usually through a GP if accessing treatment in the community, or a team of medical professionals in an inpatient setting)
- Nutritional counselling (usually through an Accredited Practicing Dietitian)
- Self-help (learning and avoiding triggers, applying coping skills, peer support etc.)
Sometimes it can be trial and error to find what works best for you or your loved one. As hard as it can be, it’s important not to give up trying when it comes to treatment.
Community based treatment
Community based treatment refers to sessions or programs that can occur while a person is still living at home. Depending on the intensity of community based treatment, a person may still be able to attend regular activities, such as work or school/university.
Outpatient treatment
Inpatient treatment
Inpatient treatment programs may be required for someone who is acutely medically unwell or has severe symptoms. Inpatient programs can be in a specialized eating disorder ward in a hospital, in a medical or mental health unit, or in a private clinic. 24-hour support and care is provided.
Inpatient programs generally focus first on medical stabilisation and weight restoration. However, inpatient treatment can also be suitable for someone who doesn’t require medical stabilisation but still requires 24 hour support due to self-harm, suicidal thoughts and eating disorder behaviours.
People with Anorexia Nervosa in particular may be admitted to hospital for weight stabilisation. A range of medical interventions may be required with inpatient treatment.