Eating Disorder

 Eating disorders are generally defined as physiological dysfunctions or structural disorders linked to psychological factors. They often reflect a person’s emotional state through certain behaviours. Types of eating disorders include:

• Individuals with an obsessive fear of gaining weight,
• Those who overeat excessively during stressful periods,
• Individuals who exhibit psychologically driven vomiting behaviours.

Negative behaviours, especially in adolescent girls trying to avoid weight gain, can require serious psychiatric treatment.

In treating eating disorders, it is essential to identify the underlying psychological causes and address them without triggering defence mechanisms. Effective psychotherapy can yield highly positive outcomes. Those addicted to eating may attempt to increase weight loss through physical exercise or exhausting physical activity. 

Outpatient treatment is suitable for patients with emerging or mild eating disorders who do not require hospitalisation. The standard program lasts one month, but it can be extended based on individual needs.

• Three sessions per week over one month
• Patients are directly enrolled in the outpatient program
• Each patient is assigned:
  • A psychologist for addressing psychological issues
  • A psychological counsellor to support life skills development
  • A psychiatrist overseeing medication, with dietary support from a dietitian when needed

Psychological sessions focus on:

• Self-awareness and self-evaluation
• Self-expression
• Family relationships
• Risk analysis
• Addiction and high-risk situations
• Coping with food cravings and urges
• Resisting compulsions
• Anger management and decision-making

Inpatient programs are for patients who overeat excessively or exhibit psychologically induced vomiting behaviours, or who require hospitalisation.

• Daily supervision of diet, medication, and psychological therapy
• 21-day treatment cycles, with patients following a structured daily schedule
• Individual psychological sessions with a psychologist
• Medication overseen by a psychiatrist
• 24-hour monitoring by a doctor and nursing staff
• Diet plans are created and monitored by a dietitian when necessary

Psychological session topics include:

• Self-awareness and evaluation
• Self-expression
• Family dynamics
• Risk assessment
• Addiction and triggers
• Coping with eating urges and compulsions
• Resisting compulsions, anger management, and decision-making

After the initial 21-day treatment period, patients may enter a rehabilitation program:

• Programs last 1 month minimum, extendable to 2, 3, or 6 months
• Typically, patients remain in the center for at least 3 months
• Daily activities include:
  • Psychiatric sessionscentre
  • Individual psychological therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Life skills training
  • Walks, sports, spa, yoga, and cinema

Families are also involved in therapy. Each patient has:

• One psychiatric session per day
• Three individual/group sessions with different psychologists
• Life skills sessions with a psychological counselor
• Medical checkups with a doctor
• Supervised sports, walking, spa, and yoga programs

All treatment and rehabilitation activities are under 24-hour supervision of doctors and nurses.

Psychological session content focuses on:

• History of eating disorder behaviour
• Effects on physical and mental health
• Self-assessment
• Addiction and high-risk situations
• Coping with urges and compulsions
• Decision-making and anger management

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help and are available to answer your questions and provide support.