Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa include:

• loss of body weight
• intense fear of weight gain (feeling fat even when thin)
• distorted body image
• loss of menstrual periods in females
• insistence on keeping weight below a healthy level

Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa include:

• repeated episodes of binge eating
• purging after a binge
• frequent dieting
• extreme concern with body weight and shape

Many individuals do not meet the strict diagnostic criteria of Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa. However, individuals may exhibit attitudes and behaviors that pose serious health threats. These individuals are often diagnosed with Eating Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified.

Treatment

Because of the complex nature of these disorders, OSF Saint Francis medical Center offers treatment with a variety of professionals including registered dietitians, nurses, occupational therapy assistants, physicians, and psychotherapists.

The first step of treatment is an evaluation by a psychotherapist, consisting of an interview to gather a history and description of current problems. After the evaluation, an appropriate course of treatment is recommended.

Outpatient Counseling—is the cornerstone of managing eating disorders. It explores the underlying factors that maintain the eating disorder and emphasizes the development of a plan for change.

Family Therapy—The family can be instrumental in the recovery process. Many families find these sessions help reduce guilt, stress and miscommunication.

Nutrition Counseling—A licensed dietitian assesses nutritional status and provides nutrition counseling which is an essential component of treatment for eating disorders.

Medical Management—The Eating Disorders staff coordinate with the patient’s primary care physician and address any medical concerns or issues. A medical consultant is available to assist in addressing issues with patients who are admitted for partial hospitalization treatment.

Psychiatric Management—A psychiatrist is available to provide psychiatric evaluations and treatment during partial hospitalization treatment and when needed in outpatient treatment.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) -- The PHP may be recommended under the following circumstances:

• medical or psychiatric instability
• severe weight loss or inability to maintain an adequate weight
• unremitting binge/purge episodes
• failed outpatient treatment

PHP provides structure and support as the patient achieves the goals of eating, cessation of purgative behaviors and stabilization of weight. The program is conducted 11 hours per day, Monday through Friday. .

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)—The IOP is designed for patients needing less structure and support than what is provided through the Partial Hospitalization Program. The program is conducted 7 ½ hours per day, Monday through Friday.

All patients in PHP and IOP participate in the following:

• Therapeutic Community
• Group Therapy
• Medical Management
• Psychiatric Management
• Family Therapy
• Structured Group Activities
• Individual Psychotherapy
• Nutrition Counseling
• Body/Self-Image Group

Support Care—Family Awareness Group: Family and friends of someone struggling with an eating disorder have this forum for learning more about eating disorders and discovering that others have similar questions, feelings and concerns. This Wednesday evening group is facilitated by a psychotherapist. There is no charge.

Patient Support Group: Patients at various stages of recovery meet weekly with a registered nurse to share common experiences and feelings and provide support in fading and overcoming their everyday problems related to eating and living. This group meets Wednesday evening and there is no charge.

Insurance—Patients often have health insurance coverage that pays a portion of the costs of our program. You may call your benefits department and ask about coverage for mental health services. This information should be brought to your initial appointment.