Common Questions about Eating Disorders
Craig Johnson, Ph.D.
Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital, Tulsa, OK

What Is the Treatment for Eating Disorders?
There is hope and help for eating disorders. Early intervention is vital. A team of professionals, specifically trained in eating disorders, can evaluate a patient and set up an individualized treatment plan. This should include a comprehensive multidimensional assessment and a coordinated care plan.

The comprehensive, multidimensional assessment includes a full physical exam and laboratory studies to determine the patient's physical status and risk of death. The assessment should also include a meeting with a nutritionist to help establish a safe diet plan and provide ongoing nutritional counseling. In addition, the assessment should include a complete mental health evaluation. This psychiatric evaluation should include a review of the patient's symptoms, current life situation, treatment history, personal and family history, and a thorough examination of the patient's thoughts, feelings and behaviors. The mental health evaluation is extremely important to making a proper diagnosis. Research shows that nearly 50 percent of individuals with eating disorders suffer from at least one other psychiatric disorder, and these co-occurring disorders must be identified and treated.