The sooner an individual with anorexia nervosa is diagnosed and begins treatment, the better the outcome is likely to be. Due to its complexity, anorexia nervosa usually requires a comprehensive treatment plan, including medical care and monitoring of health complications (e.g., malnutrition), psychological evaluation and dietary counseling.

In severe cases of malnutrition, immediate hospitalization of the patient may be necessary to rehydrate (restore loss of water) and restore electrolyte imbalance through intravenous (into a vein) feeding.

Patients with dental problems (e.g., tooth and gum decay) resulting from binge eating/purging type anorexia nervosa may be referred to the care of a dentist for treatment.

Anorexia nervosa typically requires a multi-disciplinary approach for rehabilitation that may include:

• Nutritional counseling. Regular consultation with a nutritionist (licensed nutrition specialist) or registered dietitian is important for patients with anorexia nervosa. Nutrition experts may help patients gain a fundamental understanding of adequate nutrition, including the importance of a healthy, well-balanced diet. These specialists also conduct dietary counseling, which can help patients change the nature of their eating behavior. In the case of anorexia nervosa, a nutritionist may initially place the patient on an eating plan for gradual weight gain. This is done to prevent any harm to the body, especially the heart, from a rapid increase in weight.
  
  
• Psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy [CBT], family therapy). These types of mental health therapy will address and help treat psychological disturbances including distortion of body image, abuse issues, mental illnesses (e.g., depression, anxiety disorders), low self-esteem and interpersonal conflicts associated with anorexia nervosa.
  
  
• Drug therapy (psychotropic medications, such as antidepressants). Antidepressants, such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have been found helpful in treating anorexia nervosa that co-exists with other types of emotional disorders, especially depression and anxiety disorders. Psychotropic medications may also help prevent relapse of the eating disorder. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an advisory to healthcare providers to monitor children and adolescents being treated with antidepressants for increased suicidal thinking and behaviors.
  
  Since psychotherapy (e.g., CBT) appears more effective than medication for anorexia nervosa, use of medication in people with anorexia nervosa is usually offered as an adjunctive treatment to, and not a replacement for, psychotherapy. Some medication treatment may pose additional risks among this population because of their low body weight, abnormal heart rhythm and electrolyte imbalance.

Patients with anorexia nervosa are urged to get regular check-ups with their physician to monitor their overall health and treat any complications, such as bradycardia (reduced heart beat). Sometimes, residential care that involves the patient remaining in a facility that specializes in treating anorexia nervosa may be necessary, especially in the case of chronic relapses or when patients have not been able to reach a significant degree of medical and psychological stability from their initial treatment plan.