Eating disorder treatment can be done in two ways which are mainly in the form of inpatient eating disorder treatment and outpatient eating disorder treatment. Here are some facts on each of these eating disorder treatments:

Inpatient eating disorder treatment - what it means:

• Inpatient treatment is a treatment which is actually 24 hours of care in a setting which is very similar to a hospital.
• It involves a very short term stay in the hospital. However, in cases of severe complexities it can be a stay of several months.
• The patient is monitored round the clock since the conditions are thought to be severe.
• Cost of inpatient eating disorder treatment is little high.

Outpatient eating disorder treatment – what it means:

• This is a treatment which takes place in the office of the therapist or the nutritionist.
• It is usually conducted twice or thrice in a week.
• It involves family therapy sessions, group therapy sessions and also individual therapy sessions.
• Each session might be of 45-90 minute duration.
• The cost of outpatient eating disorder treatment is usually less than inpatient treatment.

When should you go for an inpatient eating disorder treatment?

• Inpatient treatment is recommended when the patient is very critical and conditions are severe.
• It becomes necessary to go for inpatient treatment when the patient is resistant to treatment at home.
• If eating disorder is in such a state that therapies and help from family members will not help the patient. There are conditions when the eating disorder is not controlled with the help of support groups or councilors.
• It is recommended when the patient is suffering from depression, anxiety or any type of phobia. In such a condition psychiatric treatment becomes essential along with treatment for the eating disorder.
• Most of the times inpatient treatment is recommended when there is a risk of death.

When should you go for outpatient eating disorder treatment?

• Outpatient treatment is recommended for people who do not have serious symptoms.
• When eating disorder is detected at a very early stage outpatient treatment is suggested.
• Where the patient is aware of his condition and shows willingness and determination to get recovered – in such conditions outpatient treatment is very effective.
• Outpatient eating disorder treatment is much effective when family cooperates in the treatment along with friends and relatives. Those who have a supportive family and friends should opt for outpatient treatment.
• It is ideal for people who wish to get treated but cannot afford to stay away from home for personal reasons or for professional commitments. Since, the therapy sessions are just 2- 3 days in a week it becomes convenient to attend them without disturbing the schedule of other activities.

Both inpatient and outpatient programs are effective and can be chosen after consulting your Doctor. Each treatment has its own effective procedures and techniques which work towards the recovery of the patient and helps the patient to get back to normal life as soon as possible.

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