The sooner an individual with an eating disorder is diagnosed and begins treatment, the better the outcome is likely to be. Due to their complexity, eating disorders usually require a comprehensive treatment plan including medical care and monitoring of health complications (e.g., malnutrition, obesity), psychological evaluation, behavior therapy and dietary counseling. In severe cases of malnutrition, immediate hospitalization of the patient may be necessary to rehydrate and restore electrolyte imbalance through intravenous (into a vein) feeding.

Often, people with eating disorders are in denial and may refuse to recognize that there is a problem. Many times, they may resist getting and staying in treatment. Family members and other individuals close to the person suspected of having an eating disorder are urged to ensure that they receive needed care and rehabilitation. For some patients, medical treatment may be long term.

Eating disorders generally require a multi-disciplinary approach for rehabilitation that often includes:

• Nutritional counseling. Regular consultation with a nutritionist (licensed nutrition specialist) or registered dietitian is important for patients with eating disorders. 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 set 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. Typically, patients might be expected to gain 2–3 pounds a week for patients at an inpatient facility and 0.5–1 pound a week for outpatients. In the case of bulimia and binge eating disorder, a nutritionist may assist in establishing a pattern of regular, non-binge meals.
  
  
• Psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy [CBT], family therapy). These types of therapy will address and help treat psychological disturbances including distortion of body image, low self-esteem and interpersonal conflicts associated with eating disorders.
  
  
• Drug therapy (psychotropic medications, such as antidepressants). Antidepressants, such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have been found helpful in treating eating disorders that co-exist with other types of emotional disorders, especially depression and anxiety disorders. Psychotropic medications may also help prevent relapse of eating disorders. Patients should be aware that a physician may need to adjust the dosage or change medications to achieve the best results with minimal side effects. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has advised that antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thinking in some patients, especially adolescents, and all people being treated with them should be monitored closely for unusual changes in behavior.
  
  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. Medication treatment may pose additional risks among this population because of their low body weight, irregular heartbeat and electrolyte imbalance.

Patients with eating disorders are urged to have regular check-ups with their physician to monitor their overall health and treat any complications, such as cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). Some patients with severe anorexia may experience diet-related complications as they gain weight and their metabolism shifts. This is known as refeeding syndrome, and it may involve electrolyte problems. These patients are usually closely monitored for electrolyte levels.

Sometimes, residential care that involves the patient remaining in a facility that specializes in treating eating disorders 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 plans.

Patients with dental problems (e.g., tooth and gum decay) resulting from eating disorders may be referred to the care of a dentist (dental health specialist) for treatment.