How Can One-On-One Therapy Help Treat My Anorexia Nervosa?

Living with an intense fear of gaining weight can be extremely overwhelming. Although anorexia nervosa is more common in women, many men also face challenges with this eating disorder. Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental health condition characterized by an exceedingly low body weight. Fortunately, seeking mental health treatment can help individuals return to a healthy body weight.

One-on-one therapy at 12 South Recovery can help both men and women gain increased self-esteem and strong feelings of self-worth. Talking with a certified therapist can also improve an individual’s communication skills, allowing them to comfortably open up about their symptoms. Taking this step will ultimately help them achieve a better quality of life.

What Is Anorexia Nervosa?

There is a frequent misunderstanding that anorexia nervosa is simply a lifestyle decision. However, as stated by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), eating disorders can be fatal. This is because anorexia nervosa Is associated with a variety of disruptive habits. An individual’s eating behaviors, related thoughts, and mood can be negatively impacted.

It can be difficult to identify the symptoms of anorexia nervosa. However, extreme fixation on diet, weight, and body shape are just a few warning signs. Additionally, even when someone is dangerously underweight, they may still see themselves as overweight.

A person diagnosed with anorexia nervosa has an increased risk of dying from physical health complications. Persistent starvation can be detrimental to one’s physical and mental health. Additionally, the second leading cause of death for those living with anorexia nervosa is suicide due to mental instability. Anorexia nervosa can affect men and women of all ages. This mental illness can surface in childhood, during the teen years, or in young adulthood. This condition may even develop later in an individual’s lifetime.

The Latest Findings

Individuals who have experienced any form of trauma are at increased risk of developing anorexia nervosa. Brain images have provided clinicians with a better understanding of why eating disorders persist in both men and women. Based on recent research, contributing factors to eating disorders can come from any of these sources:

  • Biological
  • Genetic
  • Psychological
  • Environmental
  • Behavioral

According to a 2021 article in the journal Current Opinion in Psychiatry, anorexia nervosa is a worldwide problem. Although the statistics have generally shown a downward trend in individuals diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, young adults aged 15 and over have increasingly been diagnosed. The lifetime occurrence of anorexia nervosa is estimated to be approximately four percent of females and zero.3% of males. Anorexia nervosa carries increases the rate of mortality by five times.

Health Complications From Anorexia Nervosa

According to the aforementioned NIMH study, an individual diagnosed with anorexia nervosa may restrict food altogether or only eat very small quantities of food daily. A person with this mental health condition may weigh themselves repetitively throughout the day as well.

Anorexia nervosa can be summarized as having an extremely distorted body image. An individual facing challenges with anorexia is at risk of developing severe symptoms over time. These may include:

  • Brittle hair and nails
  • Dry skin
  • Osteoporosis
  • Anemia and weakness
  • Body hair growth
  • Severe constipation
  • Low blood pressure
  • Fatigue
  • Persistent cold body temperatures
  • Cardiovascular disorders
  • Brain damage
  • Organ failure

The Value of One-On-One Therapy

One-on-one therapy can help individuals develop the coping skills needed to overcome the challenges associated with anorexia nervosa. A 2014 article published in Current Opinion in Psychiatry states that there is no specific treatment that is more effective than others. However, one-on-one therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) has been proven to be effective in treating individuals diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Transdiagnostic-enhanced CBT has also significantly enhanced the quality of life in youth and adults. Advancements in treatment have been gradually made to improve symptoms related to anorexia nervosa.

When individuals seek professional help, they can begin to recognize their health risks, learn new habits, and develop healthier behaviors. One-on-one therapy helps individuals build the trust and confidence needed to discuss their problems. This can promote a more successful recovery.

Moving Forward With 12 South Recovery

It can be difficult to find a facility that provides the most personalized treatment. Reaching out to family and friends for help may provide additional assistance in finding the appropriate help. Although widespread treatment for anorexia nervosa is limited, 12 South Recovery focuses on effectively treating several mental health conditions including eating disorders.

12 South Recovery understands that there is no specific cause for anorexia nervosa but the therapists are there to work on the problems that may have led to the eating disorder. Therapists work one-on-one with clients to establish a personalized treatment plan. Developing healthy coping mechanisms, taking the skills learned in therapy, and using them outside of treatment can ensure a life with long-term mental stability.

Living with untreated anorexia nervosa can be challenging. The physical and mental health complications associated with this psychiatric disorder can be life-threatening. Fortunately, many people find significant improvement with one-on-one therapy. As a licensed and Joint Commission-accredited mental health treatment center, 12 South Recovery is a leader in Orange County mental health treatment. Our facility understands that individual therapy, or one-on-one therapy, is a cornerstone of mental health treatment programs. At 12 South Recovery, we use proven therapies and an evidence-based approach to addiction and mental health treatment. If you or a loved one are facing challenges with anorexia nervosa, call 12 South Recovery at (888) 830-8374 to learn more about our one-on-one therapy service today.

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