Treatment of anorexia nervosa mainly includes group, family and behavioral therapies, as well as a personalized diet and dietary supplement intake, to combat nutritional deficiencies caused by the disease that prevent people from eating properly.
- Nutritional treatment for anorexia nervosa is designed to help the person adopt a diet more appropriate to keep their body healthy and prevent disease.
During treatment, it is important to consult with a nutritionist to achieve an adequate diet that replenishes the vitamins and minerals that may be missing from the body in order to lead a healthy life.
Em alguns casos, o médico ou o nutricionista podem indicar o uso de suplementos multivitamínicos, como Centrum, que ajudam a repor as vitaminas e os minerais que não estão sendo ingeridos em quantidade suficiente através dos alimentos. Estes tipos de suplementos podem ser tomado durante cerca de 3 meses, devendo ser reavaliada a necessidade do seu uso após esse período.
Supplements do not contain calories and therefore do not fatten, but should not be taken as a substitute for a healthy diet and the amount of calories needed to regain health.
In this way, nutritional treatment prevents or treats the consequences of lack of food, such as fine hair, hair loss, brittle nails, constipation or dry skin for example. Here are some tips from our nutritionist:
Being accompanied by a psychologist is also a very important part of treatment to overcome anorexia nervosa because this professional can use strategies to raise awareness about a good body image, and help the person find the root of their problems and the possible solutions they can adopt. .
Consultations should be made at least once a week, indefinitely, until the person is able to have a better relationship with their image and overcomes the cause of the disorder, which also promotes well-being.
Em alguns casos, pode ser indicada também a terapia em grupo, em que várias pessoas com o mesmo transtorno compartilham as suas experiências, o que gera empatia e vontade de ajudar outras pessoas, o que acaba também por ajudar no próprio tratamento.
Medication is only indicated for people with other psychological disorders that may influence anorexia, such as anxiety and depression. For example, if the psychologist identifies the need for drug use, he or she may refer the person to the psychiatrist, who should prescribe the medicines needed to promote the treatment of anorexia and promote the well-being of the person.
It is important that the use of remedies is done in accordance with the psychiatrist’s recommendation, and that it is important that regular consultations are made to check whether the remedies have the desired effect or if dose adjustment is necessary.
The duration of treatment for anorexia nervosa is very individual, as it depends on many factors, such as the person’s overall health, mental health and commitment to follow the instructions of the nutritionist, in addition to taking the medication well and actively participating in psychotherapy sessions. .
It is normal to have relapses and the person is thinking about stopping treatment because they think they are getting too fat and will not be socially accepted, so all family and friends should support the person during treatment.
Not spending more than 3 and a half hours without eating, having stronger, more hydrated hair, nails and skin, reaching a healthy weight and eating family meals are signs that treatment for anorexia is effective, but it is important that psychological follow-up is maintained. to avoid relapse.
On the other hand, when treatment is not followed according to guidelines, the person may show signs of worsening, such as not eating for long periods of time, not eating with the family, missing treatment, continuing to lose weight or even lack of energy for daily activities such as bathing.