Psychiatric Treatment for Eating Disorder in Marin and San Francisco, California

Psychiatric treatment for eating disorder at Mind Therapy Clinic includes: Binge eating disorder, anorexia, and "eating disorder not otherwise specified"( a common diagnosis for people with a mixture of atypical anorexia and atypical bulimia). People who seek treatment for eating disorder may have other health problems caused by the disorder or may be suffering from other psychiatric problems such as drug addiction, depression, anxiety, and others.

Eating disorder is a serious problem, and anorexia being the most lethal psychiatric disorder, that can be managed with proper psychiatric treatment. With treatment and commitment, many people with eating disorder can overcome the habit of overeating and learn healthy eating patterns. Eating disorders require a comprehensive treatment plan that is adjusted to meet the needs of each patient. The goal of treatment for eating disorder at Mind Therapy Clinic is to help the person gain control over his or her eating behavior. Treatment most often involves a combination of the following strategies:

• Psychotherapy: This is a type of individual counseling that focuses on changing the thinking (cognitive-behavioral therapy) and behavior (behavioral therapy) of a person with an eating disorder. Treatment includes practical techniques for developing healthy attitudes toward food and weight, as well as approaches for changing the way the person responds to difficult situations.
• Psychiatric medication: Certain antidepressant medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs such as Prozac and Paxil) might be used to help control anxiety and depression associated with an eating disorder.
• Nutrition counseling: This strategy is designed to help restore normal eating patterns, and to teach the importance of nutrition and a balanced diet.
• Group and/or family therapy: Family support is very important to treatment success. It is important that family members understand the eating disorder and recognize its signs and symptoms. People with eating disorders might benefit from group therapy, where they can find support, and openly discuss their feelings and concerns with others who share common experiences and problems.

Psychiatric Treatment for Teen Eating Disorder

For the teen with eating disorder, family involvement is a key part of treatment. Family Therapy helps parents support their teen, both emotionally and physically. It also supports parents in creating a normal eating pattern for their child. Any brothers or sisters also need support during treatment. Family, group, and individual counseling are all effective and are often combined.

At Mind Therapy Clinic, we take special interest in the health of teen and young adult issues because they may be suffering from a combination of problems during this confusing period such as eating disorder combined with drug addiction that leads to depression and anxiety. By combining a team of experts in multiple disciplines in psychiatry, psychology, family counseling, and neuropsychology, Mind Therapy Clinic is able to put together an effective eating disorder psychiatric treatment plan to provide the integrated services required to provide comprehensive care necessary to treat these vulnerable conditions.

If you suspect your teen is also suffering from drug addiction, read Mind Therapy Clinic's Information on Teen Drug Addiction.