Eating Disorders: Types, Treatments & How To Get Help

What Is an Eating Disorder?

Eating disorders are characterized by persistent, deliberate, unhealthy patterns in eating that change the consumption and absorption of food intake.² Symptoms of eating disorders can often result in problems in physical health, thinking, emotion regulation, and social abilities.² Eating disorders affect up to 28.8 million people at some point in their lives.³

Eating disorders often do not have a single cause, but rather happen because of the complex interplay between biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.² Early intervention is important because the physical complications from eating disorders can be fatal.⁴ One person in the US dies every 52 minutes from eating disorder complications.⁴

How Common Are Eating Disorders?

According to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), 20 million women and 10 million men in the U.S. will suffer from an eating disorder at some point during their lives.³ Approximately .3%-.4% of females and .1% of males will suffer from anorexia nervosa at any given time.⁴ Some studies suggest a higher prevalence of bulimia nervosa, where 1.1%-4.6% of females and .1%-.5% of males will develop bulimia.⁵ Approximately 1.6% of females and .8% of males will suffer from binge-eating disorder at any given time.²

Types of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are characterized by a continual disruption of eating or eating-related behavior that results in altered consumption of food. These altered eating patterns are harmful in nature and create significant impairment in both physical and mental health, as well as daily functioning.²

Common types of eating disorders include:

1. Anorexia Nervosa (AN)

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by persistent restriction of food, combined with an intense fear of being fat or gaining weight. There is a disturbance of body-image and irrational thoughts pertaining to one’s body shape and size. Significant effort is also utilized to engage in behaviors that interfere with weight gain, such as excessive exercise and calorie counting. The presence of these characteristics results in significantly low body weight.

There are two subtypes of anorexia nervosa, restricting type and binge-eating/purging type. Restricting type describes when someone is primarily engaging in dieting, fasting, and excessive exercise, whereas binge-eating/purging type consists of eating significantly larger quantities of food in a short period of time compared to most people followed by vomiting or laxative abuse or enemas.

2. Bulimia Nervosa (BN)

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent incidences of binge eating consisting of eating significantly larger quantities of food in a short period of time compared to most people. This is combined with an overwhelming sense of lack of control where one does not feel they have the ability to stop eating or control how much they eat. Binge-eating typically continues until the individual is physically uncomfortable or in pain.

Binge-eating is then followed by attempts to offset the eating behavior in order to prevent weight gain. These behaviors are termed purge behaviors and may include vomiting, use of laxatives or enemas, fasting, or excessive exercise. One’s self-evaluation is also unjustifiably influenced by body shape and weight.

3. Binge-Eating Disorder

Similar to bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating consisting of eating significantly larger quantities of food in a short period of time compared to most people. But the primary difference between bulimia and binge-eating disorder is that people with binge-eating disorder don’t have compensatory behaviors like purging after overeating.This is combined with distress and an overwhelming sense of lack of control where one does not feel they have the ability to stop eating or control how much they eat.

Binge-eating episodes are associated with at least three of the following:

• Eating much more rapidly than usual
• Eating until feeling physically uncomfortable
• Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry
• Eating alone because of feeling embarrassed by the amount of food one is eating
• Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, and guilty afterwards

4. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

ARFID is a disturbance in eating often triggered by lack of interest in eating or food. One may avoid specific food items due to sensory characteristics of the food, such as temperature, color, smell, or texture. A persistent concern with potential negative consequences of eating specific foods may also be present, such as fear of vomiting or choking.

These aversions to food contribute to inadequate nutrition and the body’s energy needs are not met, often manifesting as weight loss in adults and failure to meet growth expectations for children. Significant nutritional deficiencies or medical concerns may also be present and one may develop a dependency on supplements in an attempt to meet nutritional needs.

AFRID is equally common in male and female infants and children, although when co-occurring with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is more prominent in males.² Research has also suggested that those suffering from ARFID tend to be younger and male, compared to other eating disorders.⁶

5. Pica

Pica is an eating disorder characterized by the persistent eating of nonfood substances, which often has drastic consequences for nutrition.² There is no general aversion to food, but people with pica feel drawn to consume nonfood items, commonly things like paper, soap, hair, paint, pebbles, wool, clay, gum, metal, starch, or ice.² These eating habits must persist for at least one month for a pica diagnosis.²

Pica most commonly begins in childhood, but sometimes happens later in adolescence or adulthood.² Iron deficiency, neglect, lack of supervision, and developmental delay are some of the environmental factors that increase the risk for pica.²

6. Rumination Disorder

Rumination disorder is an eating disorder characterized by the regurgitation of food.² Regurgitation includes things like re-chewing, re-swallowing, or spitting out food. These eating habits often occur daily and frequently, but sometimes happen a few times a week. These eating habits must persist for at least one month for diagnosis.²

Rumination disorder can occur across all ages, but often happens in individuals who have a diagnosed intellectual disability.² It is common for people with rumination disorder to describe it as out of their control, or habitual.² Environmental factors that might put people at higher risk for rumination disorder include lack of stimulation, neglect, stressful life events, and parent-child relational distress.²

Other Eating Disorders

Other eating disorders are often categorized into “other specified feeding and eating disorders” (OSFED) in the DSM-5. This category used to be called “eating disorder not otherwise specified” in past editions of the manual. OSFED are still considered severe and significant eating disorders by the medical community and eating disorder researchers.

Sometimes, however, other eating disorders may not adhere to diagnostic standards but are still severely affecting someone’s life. That is when non-medical slang terms, such as drunkorexia, are used in a non-medical setting to categorize behaviors seen in people that do not meet diagnostic criteria but are still prevalent.

Other potential eating disorders include:

• OSFED: Other specified feeding and eating disorders (OSFED) are eating behaviors that are significantly impacting someone’s life, but do not meet strict diagnostic criteria of a specific eating disorder. OSFED often involves elements of other eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating.
• Purging disorder: Purging disorder is characterized by recurrent purging intended to alter a person’s shape or weight. It is diagnosed when there is an absence of binge eating with the purging.
• Night eating syndrome: Night eating syndrome is characterized by recurrent night eating episodes. Sometimes it happens when someone eats after waking up from sleep, or when they begin excessively consuming food after having eaten dinner.
• Orthorexia: Orthorexia is a condition where someone is consumed by the compulsion to eat only “clean” or “healthy” foods, with no flexibility of their behaviors.
• Diabulimia: Diabulimia is non-medical slang for a condition which affects some people with diagnosed type 1 diabetes. These individuals misuse insulin as a weight-loss tool.
• Compulsive overeating: Compulsive overeating is a non-medical, umbrella term used to describe a loss of control around eating. Compulsive overeating can be a warning sign for binge eating disorder in some cases.
• Drunkorexia: Drunkorexia is a non-medical slang term used to describe the condition of both alcohol misuse and restriction occurring together.
• Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified: An Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) diagnosis is given to individuals who meet some but not all of the clinical criteria for anorexia and bulimia.

How to Know If You Have an Eating Disorder

The best way to know if you have an eating disorder is to seek the guidance of a medical professional for proper diagnosis and assessment. However, conducting your own research and asking self-assessment questions can help you with information you might provide at your first consultation with a medical provider. When these signs are shared with a medical provider, they may help them provide you with an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Here are several potential signs you’re dealing with an eating disorder:

• You categorize foods into either “good” or “bad” categories
• You are overly concerned with your weight or shape
• Your weight or shape has a large influence on your self-evaluation
• You struggle not to count calories
• You cut out large food groups, or only eat “safe” foods
• There are certain foods you are afraid to eat
• You struggle to eat around others or isolate yourself when you eat
• You feel guilt or shame before or after meals
• Your life is structured around planning meals
• You find yourself lying to your support system about your eating behaviors

What Causes Eating Disorder?

Eating disorders are caused by a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. There is not one single cause for developing an eating disorder and some risk factors are shared across all eating disorders, while others are specific to certain diagnoses. Some risk factors include certain childhood upbringing, cultural ideals, genetic predispositions, and personality traits.

Causes of eating disorders include both: 

• Genetics: You are more likely to develop an eating disorder if a family member, particularly a parent, also has one.⁷ Research indicates that personality traits like perfectionism, obsession, and impulsiveness are connected to developing an eating disorder.⁷
• Environment: Environments can either alleviate or maintain symptoms of an eating disorder. Factors like parent-child relationships, valuing thinness, being exposed to dieting, and traumatic events, are all risk factors for eating disorders.⁷

Risk Factors for Developing an Eating Disorder

Risk factors that can all contribute to the development of an eating disorder include:

• Family history: Research finds that parent-child teasing or pressures around eating are associated with developing an eating disorder.⁷
• Other mental health issues: Comorbid conditions such as OCD, social anxiety disorder, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and depression.⁷
• Extended dieting: Each time someone uses dieting to cope with emotional distress, the cycle becomes more ingrained as an automatic strategy. Extended dieting may only exacerbate the cycles of restriction and binging found in some disordered eating.
• History of weight bullying: Exposure to the cultural value of “thinness” and bullying related to this ideal create thoughts and emotions related to disordered eating.⁷
• Stress: Stress can create the conditions necessary to cause the emotional overwhelm associated with using eating disordered behaviors to cope.
• Traumatic experiences: Neglect, abuse, and trauma, are associated with development of eating disorders.⁷

Complications & Risks of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are mental health conditions that also affect a person’s physical health, mental capacity, and relationships. There are short-term physical and mental complications of disordered eating which, if not resolved, can cause severe damage to bodily organs and thinking abilities. Research clearly indicates that if disordered eating is not addressed early on, behaviors can lead to serious medical complications, including death.

Some complications of untreated eating disorders include:

• Dehydration
• Cardiac conditions
• Blood pressure issues
• Weak or faint pulse
• Nutrition or vitamin deficiencies
• Fluid retention
• Loss of regular period
• Diminished mental capacity
• Inability to make decisions or concentrate
• Low bone density
• Damaged dental enamel

How Are Eating Disorders Diagnosed?

Eating disorders are generally diagnosed by a medical or mental health professional, usually using a team approach. Diagnosis generally involves a combination of a physical exam and mental health evaluation. Other testing, such as taking labs, may be used to determine the extent of damage done to the body. Sometimes, diagnosis may involve speaking to caregivers or family members if the patient is not cooperative or has low insight into their symptoms.

Diagnosis of eating disorders can include:

• Physical exam: Physical exams are often conducted to determine any signs of disordered eating, such as bruises on the knuckles, enamel erosion, lanugo, pale skin, or eroded dental enamel. Physical examination also includes a weight check necessary to diagnose certain eating disorders like anorexia.
• Mental health evaluation: During a mental health evaluation, the professional will ask questions about the history and frequency of identified symptoms. This will help them determine which diagnosis is appropriate and what treatment interventions are suggested.
• Other testing: Other tests are added to eating disorder diagnoses when testing for other bodily damage is appropriate. For example, labs may be ordered to check vitamin levels, or X-rays to check for bone loss.

Eating Disorder Treatment

Eating disorders are treatable, and recovery can be established and maintained by engaging in treatment as soon as possible. Treatment plans can be individualized to fit the unique needs of each individual and a variety of levels of care are available depending on the severity of symptoms and behaviors.

Therapy for Eating Disorders

There are a number of therapy options that have been shown to be effective in treating eating disorders, including CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, and family based therapy.

Here are types of therapy used to treat eating disorders:

Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-E)

CBT-E involves learning to change thinking patterns and behavioral patterns.

The foundational principles of CBT-E include:

• Concerns and distress are at least partially due to faulty or irrational ways of thinking
• Concerns and distress are at least partially due to learned patterns or unhelpful behavior
• Individuals are capable of learning better ways to think and behave, therefore improving their daily lives and overall functioning

For example, a psychotherapist utilizing CBT will assist a client with an eating disorder to identify their cognitive distortions and faulty thinking that are contributing to restricting, binging, or purging. The psychotherapist will further assist the client in evaluating their thoughts by challenging these distortions with reality.

In addition, the psychotherapist will assist the client in facing their fears vs. avoiding them, such as consuming challenging foods. At the same time, the client will also be provided with instruction on how to calm and relax one’s body particularly during distressing times.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT for eating disorders has become a popular option. DBT is a skills-based approach to learning to manage symptoms and behaviors and has four main components: mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Here are the four components of DBT:

1. Mindfulness: Mindfulness is learning to be present in the moment while also accepting the moment without judgment
2. Emotional regulation: Emotional regulation is learning to manage and transform overwhelming emotions
3. Distress tolerance: Distress tolerance is increasing one’s ability to handle negative emotions without becoming destructive or attempting to escape the negative emotion
4. Interpersonal effectiveness: Interpersonal effectiveness is developing communication skills to successfully resolve conflict, express needs, assert self, and maintain healthy relationships

As an individual with an eating disorder begins to engage in DBT, they will learn a variety of skills to use in real-time to address the emotions, distress, and behavioral patterns that are interfering with having a healthy relationship with food, themselves, and others. There’s also a newer form of DBT called radically open DBT that is specifically designed for overcontrol concerns, like many eating disorders.

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT is an action-oriented method that utilizes acceptance and mindfulness strategies, combined with commitment and behavior change strategies. When engaging in ACT, one learns to refrain from their tendency to avoid and deny their negative emotions.

Rather, they learn to accept these emotional responses to certain experiences and acknowledge these same emotions should not prevent them from living their lives and progressing forward. An individual then commits to making the necessary changes in their behavior.

For example, someone with an eating disorder that is participating in ACT will learn to accept their thoughts and emotions pertaining to food without impulsively acting on these thoughts and emotions that could lead to restricting, binging, purging, or engaging in excessive exercise. ACT gives an individual the support needed to recognize they can be in control of how they react, think, and feel.

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR assists people in healing from traumatic experiences or distressing life events using bilateral stimulation of the brain involving eye movements, sounds, or taps. Eating disorders are often viewed as coping skills that developed in response to adverse experiences. Our brains possess the natural ability to heal from traumatic or adverse experiences although on occasion assistance may be needed.

Someone participating in EMDR will identify their negative beliefs and associated adverse experiences or memories, processing these experiences to reduce and eliminate their symptoms and behaviors associated with an eating disorder. EMDR helps the brain process and allows normal healing to resume. Often, relief from symptoms and behaviors comes sooner with EMDR versus other traditional therapies.

Family Based Treatment

The Maudsley Method of family-based treatment has been found to be effective in the treatment of eating disorders. It involves the entire family in the treatment process. Parents are viewed as a resource for the child or adolescent while being empowered to support their child to recovery.

Within this treatment model, the eating disorder is viewed as an external force and analysis of the development of the eating disorder does not occur. The goal of FBT is to achieve full nutrition and family meal time is often observed in order to identify various behaviors within the family as well as provide coaching.

There are three phases to family based treatment of eating disorders:

1. Weight restoration: During phase 1, weight restoration is the goal. Parents are normally in charge of meals and snacks, seeking support and coaching from the therapist as needed. Increase in food intake is a priority and steady weight gain is expected.
2. Gradual return of control: Phase 2 typically begins when weight has been fully restored and the child/adolescent begins to resume age-appropriate control of snacks and meals. Parents are ready to provide redirection and support as needed.
3. Age-appropriate level of independence: When the child/adolescent has demonstrated and maintained age-appropriate independence, the focus of treatment in phase 3 becomes establishing a sense of identity without the eating disorder. During this phase, co-occurring anxiety (e.g., anxiety and eating disorders) will be addressed.

Medications for Eating Disorders

There is no medication cure for eating disorders, but medication management is often utilized as a support or supplement to therapeutic interventions and psychotherapy. Medications for eating disorders can often assist in managing behaviors and urges to binge, purge, or compulsively exercise. Medications also assist with managing preoccupations and racing thoughts regarding food, diet, and body image. It’s not unusual to try more than one medication before finding the right fit.

Here are the four classes of medication for eating disorders:

1. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. This medication functions by increasing the levels of serotonin found in the brain by blocking the reabsorption of this neurotransmitter serotonin, improving an individual’s mood. The SSRI fluoxetine (Prozac) has an indication for use in patients with bulimia to reduce the episodes of binging and purging. They would also be prescribed to help with symptoms of anxiety.

2. Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

Similar to SSRIs, SNRIs function by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine found in the brain by blocking the reabsorption of these neurotransmitters, therefore improving mood and decreasing anxiety.

3. Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines function by assisting the central nervous system in slowing down allowing for a more relaxed state and reduction in anxiety. Sometimes these medications are taken prior to meals if there are high levels of anxiety around eating. But their potential for misuse and addiction means judicious prescribing is crucial.

4. Antipsychotics

Antipsychotic medications function by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. These medications can assist individuals with weight restoration as well as changing obsessive thoughts. Despite the label of “antipsychotic,” these agents are used to treat a wide range of conditions. Antipsychotic medications are often prescribed as adjunct medications when treating eating disorders.

The Importance of a Treatment Team for Eating Disorders

The standard approach to the treatment of individuals with an eating disorder is the establishment of a treatment team. These outpatient treatment teams consist of a licensed psychotherapist, a primary care physician, a psychiatrist, and a registered dietitian. Each member of the treatment team has a specific role in supporting an individual diagnosed with an eating disorder.

Here are four potential members of an eating disorder treatment team:

1. Licensed Psychotherapist

The licensed psychotherapist assists the individual in working towards their treatment goals using a variety of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), eye-movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR), and family-based therapy (FBT).

Regardless of the theoretical approach that is determined to be the best fit for the individual, the goal of therapy would be to address the distress and overwhelming emotions that trigger disordered eating. Many times this includes challenging irrational beliefs about food and body image as well as processing daily stressors, chronic stressors, and prior exposure to trauma.

2. Primary Care Physician

The primary care physician monitors and evaluates the individual regularly to ensure physical stability and assess for any potential medical complications. Significant medical concerns, such as irregular heartbeats and cardiac arrest, can result from malnutrition and disordered eating, at which time the PCP may recommend hospitalization to assist in establishing medical stability.

Unfortunately, eating disorders can be life threatening; therefore, having a designated medical provider for continual evaluation is vital.

3. Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist will evaluate the role of psychotropic medications to assist in providing support for the management of symptoms and behaviors. Often, depression and eating disorders are co-occurring, as well as anxiety and eating disorders, which can effectively be managed by medications. While medication will not fully resolve symptoms and behaviors related to an eating disorder, relief can be provided while the individual works towards establishing change.

4. Registered Dietitian

The registered dietitian will assist in monitoring weight loss and weight gain while also partnering with the individual to establish a meal plan that will meet the individual’s nutritional needs. Registered dietitian’s also commonly provide support to the individual to address various food challenges.

When a Higher Level of Care Is Needed for Eating Disorder Treatment

Everyone seeking treatment for an eating disorder is unique, and several levels of treatment are available. It’s not uncommon for someone diagnosed with an eating disorder to flow between various levels of treatment over the duration of their care; therefore, it’s important to know the differences to ensure that the appropriate level of care is received.

Insurance companies and residential treatment specialists can also assist in finding the appropriate level of treatment.

Here are the levels of eating disorder treatment:

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient therapy is appropriate when someone is medically stable and the level of impairment in functioning is not severe. Outpatient treatment can be used when an individual engages with their therapist and is making progress towards resolution of their disordered eating.

Partial Hospitalization

An individual is appropriate for partial hospitalization if they’re medically stable and have impaired functioning without significant risk. Partial hospitalization programs usually consist of sessions in a treatment facility multiple days a week. Assessment of daily mental status is also needed. Someone in partial hospitalization is actively restricting, binging, and purging, and may be engaging in weight control strategies such as excessive exercise or use of laxatives.

Residential Treatment

Residential treatment is often sought out following an unsuccessful attempt at partial hospitalization or outpatient therapy. A patient will stay at a specific program for eating disorders for weeks or months getting intensive therapy. An individual in residential treatment should be medically stable.

Inpatient Treatment

An individual is appropriate for inpatient treatment for an eating disorder when they are medically unstable as assessed by vital signs and laboratory findings. The primary goal is to stabilize medical complications of their disorder in a hospital unit. Medical complications may be present, needing frequent medical monitoring.

How to Get Help for an Eating Disorder

Understanding if you have an eating disorder is the first step and learning the fundamental information regarding eating disorders is the most important action needed to begin the process towards change. Another common initial step is to meet with your primary care doctor and express your concerns. Being open and honest is vital to assessing your needs and finding the appropriate treatment option.

If you are seeking help for your child or adolescent, your family pediatrician will be able to provide useful information to your treatment team by sharing your child’s growth charts that are generally maintained since birth.

How to Find a Therapist

You may find it useful to simultaneously seek an evaluation from an outpatient psychotherapist who specializes in eating disorders. Online therapist directories are available to search for an appropriate therapist. Insurance companies typically have listings as well.

How to Cope With an Eating Disorder

When coping with an eating disorder, the first step is to seek the guidance of a medical or mental health professional for diagnosis and assessment. Once a treatment plan is set, make sure to follow through on any recommendations. Through recovery, it is important to identify and maintain supportive relationships to help process emotions related to treatment. You will also want to be sure that you implement lifestyle changes that prevent you from self-destructive habits like weighing or isolating, and utilize more adaptive coping mechanisms to deal with distress.

Here are several tips for coping with an eating disorder:

• Find a therapist with experience in eating disorders: It is best to seek a therapist with the proper training and experience with your diagnosis for treatment.
• Follow your treatment plan: Adhering to the treatment plan will give you the best possible outcomes for recovery. Taking your medications, routinely attending appointments, and minimizing triggers are all important pieces of recovery.
• Tell someone you trust and ask for support: It is important to find emotional support outside of professionals, so that when you end treatment you will have relationships around to support you. Support can be found in family, friends, spiritual communities, or online groups and forums.
• Talk to your doctor about any missing vitamins or nutrients: If you have certain vitamin or nutrient deficiencies, your doctor may prescribe certain supplements to keep you healthy. Remember to report any negative side effects from these medications.
• Resist the urge to weigh yourself: Weighing yourself too early on in treatment can be a trigger for eating disorder symptoms. Especially when attending doctor appointments, it can be helpful to ask for a blind weigh, where you are not shown or told your weight.
• Don’t isolate yourself from loved ones: Isolation can contribute to feelings of loneliness and depression. These feelings can spur eating disorder symptoms, so make sure you are seeking support on a regular basis.
• Find ways to reduce your stress levels: The higher your stress levels, the less tolerance you will have for avoiding eating disorder urges. Implement stress reduction strategies to manage stress levels so that they do not contribute to unplanned use of eating disorder behaviors.
• Surround yourself with useful resources: Spend time listening to eating disorder podcasts or reading books about eating disorders to help you along your journey.

How to Help a Loved One Dealing With an Eating Disorder

It can be incredibly difficult to watch a loved one dealing with an eating disorder. The first step to helping them is to encourage seeking professional help. Once they have a treatment plan, you can be an important piece of offering emotional support, spending quality time, and helping them build confidence in recovery.

Here are several ways to help someone with an eating disorder:

• Listen to them and trust their experience: Reflective listening can be a helpful tool for deeply listening to your loved one’s emotional experience. Learning to rebuild trust in your loved one can help establish the clear boundaries necessary for recovery.
• Include them in day-to-day activities: When someone is going through recovery, their day is largely structured around food and eating. Involving your loved one in day-to-day activities can help model basic life skills necessary for life after their eating disorder.
• Find ways to build their self-esteem: Individuals with eating disorders often struggle with negative self perceptions. Affirming the positive traits you see in your friend can help them begin to recognize the value they can add to relationships.
• Educate yourself on their diagnosis: Seeking accurate information on their diagnosis can show you are invested in their recovery process, while also preparing you for typical progressions of their disorder. Education can also help you avoid any overstepping of boundaries where it may be better to seek the support of their doctor or therapist.

What Is the Outlook for Someone With an Eating Disorder?

Recovery is possible when treatment is sought. The longer an eating disorder continues, generally the less responsive people are to treatment and the worse treatment outcomes can be. Seeking early intervention is the best way to address symptoms before they progress to affect someone mentally and physically.