Treatment is available. Recovery is possible.

Eating disorders are serious health conditions that can be both physically and emotionally destructive. People with eating disorders need to seek professional help. Early diagnosis and intervention may enhance recovery. Eating disorders can become chronic, debilitating, and even life-threatening conditions.

When you begin to notice that disordered eating habits are affecting your life, your happiness, and your ability to concentrate, it is important that you talk to somebody about what you're going through. Our handout "Sharing with EEEase" provides some guidance for these difficult conversations.

Treatment Basics

The most effective and long-lasting treatment for an eating disorder is some form of psychotherapy or psychological counseling, coupled with careful attention to medical and nutritional needs.  Ideally, this treatment should be tailored to the individual and will vary according to both the severities of the disorder and the patient’s particular problems, needs, and strengths. Learn more.

• Treating an Eating Disorder
• Evidence on What Treatment Works
• Treatment Settings and Levels of Care
• Confidentiality Issues

Seeking & Securing Treatment

Seeking help for an eating disorder is hard work. It can be challenging enough without having to face the uncertainty of medical evaluations and insurance approval. We hope the following resources will make the process easier, helping you to understand your options and find the treatment that is right for you. Learn more.

• Suggested Medical Tests          
• How to Find a Suitable Treatment Setting
• Questions to Ask When Considering Treatment Options
• Questions to Ask Your Treatment Provider
• Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Therapist
• Securing Eating Disorders Treatment: Ammunition for Arguments with Third Parties

Issues of Interest for Medical Professionals

NEDA’s mission “to serve as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care” would not be possible without dedicated treatment professionals. The collective efforts of medical professionals, researchers, therapists, support groups and care givers are essential to protect against the dangers of eating disorders and pursue a path of healing. The information in this section is specific to medical professionals, but you’ll find a host of terms and topics under General Information. We recommend you start there and then augment your reading with the subjects covered here. Learn more.

• A Physician’s Role in Preventing Eating Disorders
• Screening for Eating Disorders by Primary Care Physicians
• Assisting Physicians in Eating Disorder Prevention
• WHAT'S UP DOC?
• Academy for Eating Disorders (AED): Critical Points for Early Recognition and Medical Risk Management in the Care of Individuals with Eating Disorders
• American Academy of Pediatrics Report: Pediatrician’s Guide
• Information for Dental Practitioners