The Important Role of Family Support in Eating Disorder Inpatient Treatment

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC for Eating Disorder Hope

Inpatient Care

Treatment for an eating disorder will vary based on the severity of the disease, ranging from outpatient care to hospitalization.

Health professionals consider many factors when assessing the level of care most appropriate for an individual who has an eating disorder, and recovery typically will progress through many stages. A common beginning place for many eating disorder sufferers is inpatient treatment, or hospitalization.

When is inpatient treatment necessary? Inpatient treatment, or hospitalization, is necessary for the most acute cases of eating disorder sufferers. Because of the severe consequences that may result from these disease states, a person’s mental and physical health can be jeopardized.

In some instances, an eating disorder sufferer may be dealing with:

• Severe Malnutrition
• Cardiovascular Complications
• Electrolyte Irregularities
• Suicidal Ideations
• Manic Disorder
• post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)

Finding a Treatment Center

In the case that an individual is a danger to themselves, interventions may be needed to prevent fatalities from occurring. Family members can be a helpful part in connecting loved ones to treatment and support. Because of the complications involved with eating disorders, mediation may be necessary by a trained eating disorder specialist.

Ultimately, the most effective treatment is multi-faceted and involves medical and nutritional rehabilitation and psychotherapy. With inpatient treatment, the focus of care is primarily stabilization, as patients at this level of care typically are symptomatic.

Appropriate Help

While psychotherapy is a crucial part of eating disorder recovery, this is not a facet of treatment that is usually introduced at the inpatient level of care. If an eating disorder sufferer has maintained starvation for any length of time, psychotherapy will not be appropriate or effective.

Hospitalization and inpatient care can be a difficult part of treatment for patients and their family members. If you have a loved one in your family who is undergoing inpatient care, how can you best offer support during this essential time of treatment?

Perhaps you are feeling helpless as you watch your family member endure such painful consequences of an eating disorder. While treatment is largely in the hands of the doctors and specialists attending to your loved one, there are several ways you can show your support during this treatment phase.

Light in the Dark

You may feel as though your loved one is lost beneath the burden of an eating disorder or that you no longer know who they are. This intense period of treatment can also bring about deep fear; fear of losing your family member due to these deadly diseases can be overwhelming and concerning.

Even during this dark time of uncertainty, you can be a light to your loved one. While you may not fully comprehend what they are dealing with, simply being by their side through their ordeal. Becoming involved in the treatment process will not only increase your understanding of the recovery, but it will also demonstrate your commitment to seeing your loved one find victory over their eating disorder.

There is also the possibility that your family member may be physically or mentally unable to make his or her own medical decisions. In this case, or if your family member is under the age of 18, it will be necessary for a trusted family to be involved in treatment decisions.

Unconditional Support

As a family, never underestimate the value of your support in your loved one’s journey of recovery. Whatever phase of recovery they may be in – from inpatient care to outpatient treatment, your continued support along the journey will be crucial to their success.

While inpatient care focuses more on medical stabilization rather than therapy and counseling, your commitment to your family member will strengthen them to face any obstacle.

Inpatient treatment can be one of the most trying and difficult times of eating disorder recovery. Just as your loved one is receiving professional help and care, be sure you are taking care of yourself and other family members as well. Eating disorders can be taxing on the entire family unit, so be sure to find ways to healthily cope and recharge yourself throughout the recovery process.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

What is your experience with inpatient treatment for eating disorders? How can family members encourage their loved one during this challenging time period?

Last Updated & Reviewed by: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC, on December, 11 2014. Published on AddictionHope.com