Anorexia Nervosa

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Assessment Before treatment can begin, anorexic clients must undergo assessments that ensure they are physically capable of outpatient treatment. If these individuals are not ready for outpatient treatment, they must undergo hospitalization to stabilize their condition. For those clients who pass medical examinations, and are good candidates for outpatient care, it remains necessary for a physician and dietitian to be involved with treatment (Bowers, 2002). This ensures the client is cared for in a holistic manner by addressing “nutritional rehabilitation, possibly medical stabilization, and psychological interventions” (Bowers, 2002, p. 249). This multidimensional approach ensures the client’s physical wellbeing is addressed, in addition to the psychological aspects of the disorder. Treatment Goals The treatment of anorexia begins with creating a sense of rapport and collaboration between the client and therapist. The relationship between client and therapist is especially important with anorexic patients because changing their eating behavior produces great levels of anxiety. In order to facilitate the relationship the therapist expresses respect for the client’s fears, reminds the client about the cost of their behavior, and encourages the client to look forward to acquiring new coping skills (Kleinfield et al., 1996). By addressing the fear involved with change, the therapist helps to normalize these feelings and encourages them to look forward to learning how to cope more effectively. When the client’s fears are decreased, it strengthens the therapeutic relationship and helps the client learn to collaborate with the therapist. Once a strong alliance has been established, the client begins to trust the therapist. ... ... middle of paper ... ...SOW.0000024327.55424.a9 Wade, T. D., Tiggemann, M., Bulik, C. M., Fairburn, C. G., FMedSci, Wray, N. R., Martin, N. M. (2008). Shared temperament risk factors for anorexia nervosa: A twin study. Psychosomatic Medicine, 70, 239-244. doi:10.1097/PSY.0b013e31815c40fl Werth, J., Wright, K. S., & Archambault, R. J. (2003). When does the “duty to protect” apply with a client who has anorexia nervosa?. Counseling Psychologist, 31(4), 427-450. doi:10.1177/0011000003031004006 Weltzin, T. E., Weisensel, N., & Cornella-Carlson, T. (2007). Improvements in the severity of eating disorder symptoms and weight changes in a large population of males undergoing treatment for eating disorders. Best Practice In Mental Health, 3(1), 52-65. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.memphis.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ofm&AN=510735329&site=ehost-live

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