What is Residential Treatment For Eating Disorders?

Residential Treatment For Eating Disorders

Residential treatment for eating disorders is an immersive process that may last from 30 days to several months or even a year. The length of stay depends on the severity of the eating disorder, as well as the individual. Many patients find that being immersed in the treatment process for multiple weeks is a lot different than going to a therapy session twice a week. Although it may seem intimidating to a first-time resident, many find that being in a residential setting provides them with the freedom to fully recover.

Residential treatment for eating disorders includes scientifically validated treatment modalities, individualized treatment plans, and time to build healthy relationships. Residential treatment centers offer many benefits to patients, and families and upcoming residents should make every effort to attend. For example, a residential center may allow clients to spend time with family members, as well as build supportive bonds with staff. This can be a great way to ease the transition to the residential setting.

Inpatient care for eating disorders can be frightening for many people. The experience of a residential treatment program is not a pleasant one, and clients often have to face anxiety and fear. Fortunately, residential treatment programs are structured and planned to reduce this anxiety and stress. Patients often enter the program at different stages in their recovery, but follow a similar treatment plan. The duration of a residential treatment program depends on the severity of the disorder.

what is residential treatment

Residential treatment for eating disorders is more intensive than outpatient care, and patients may experience multiple relapses. The main priority for residential treatment centers is to ensure the patient’s safety. This is important because if a patient is in distress, he or she may be more prone to overeating or binge-eating. The goal of residential treatment is to re-establish healthy relationships with food, and the residential treatment team will provide this.

What is Residential Treatment For Eating Disorders?

A residential treatment program will include clinically supported meals. During the program, patients will share meals with treatment staff and peers, as well as participate in meal preparation and meal planning sessions. These sessions are aimed at decreasing anxiety and stress around eating and help patients develop practical life skills. Some residential treatment programs even include scheduled outings and recreational activities in the community. They may be a great option for people with eating disorders whose medical condition makes it difficult to attend outpatient treatment.

Residential treatment for eating disorders may also be a good option if the patient has co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression. The program also enables patients to build skills to help them cope with their eating disorder and overcome their mental health conditions. The program includes weekly psychiatric and dietary sessions, which help them understand their condition and return to a healthy weight. Additionally, patients will be treated for co-occurring issues, including addiction and depression.

Research on the effectiveness of residential care for eating disorders is limited. While residential ED treatment is becoming more common, there are few studies to support its effectiveness. Only 19 studies provide data from intake to discharge for individuals who have a serious eating disorder. In addition, these studies do not contain effective control conditions and thus cannot recommend residential care for eating disorders. Nevertheless, the benefits of residential treatment may be worth the risk. You can find residential eating disorder treatment for a loved one today!