Modern day psychiatry recognizes as least three different types of Eating Disorders – Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder. It is common that a person suffering from an eating disorder will go through phases, where they will seem to fit one diagnosis more closely than another.
This is especially true of people with Anorexia Nervosa, who may present in later life with features more akin to Bulimia. Frequently, people with eating disorders also abuse alcohol and drugs. The co-occurrence of alcohol abuse is particularly common in people with Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder (B.E.D.).
Among those seeking treatment for an eating disorder (especially bulimia), recent research indicates that as many as a third also abuse alcohol. People with Anorexia Nervosa are more likely to abuse stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine, pseudoephedrine) since these drugs also suppress appetite.
The management of people with Eating Disorders is an area that many mental health professionals do not feel equipped to deal with. A multi-disciplinary team is required to address the combination of medical and psychological problems that these people present with.
The net result is that these patients end up being treated in costly hospital-based programs, which rarely, if ever, provide a ‘bridge to the real world’. Many clients learn to eat responsibly as in-patients, but as soon as they get home, they cannot sustain a healthy life-style. The underlying psychological issues can only be dealt with once a healthy pattern of eating has been established.
Post-discharge follow-up requires contact with a dietician, individual therapist and physician (in some cases). Extended care for eating disordered people addresses a number of the problems mentioned above. Firstly, the client is given time to consolidate gains regarding healthy eating. The underlying concurrent addiction (if present) and psychological issues (always present) may be addressed in a graded manner. Eating Disorders take years to develop and are characterised by shame, secretive behaviour and denial.
A history of past trauma is very common. Time is required to address these deep-seated issues in a sensitive and professional manner. Finally, extended treatment affords the treatment team and the client time to fine tune and individualise discharge planning – the most crucial component of successful treatment. Montrose Manor, with a multi-disciplinary team experienced in the treatment of clients with eating disorders, is ideally suited to offer extended care as described above.