Hospitalization for Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that can cause life-threatening complications. People with eating disorders often require treatment in a hospital or residential treatment center (RTC).

Inpatient Hospitalization

Inpatient hospitalization is the highest level of care available for eating disorders. It is typically used when a person is severely malnourished or has medical complications that need to be monitored closely.

Inpatient units are often connected to or affiliated with a full hospital, providing access to different medical specialists, including cardiologists, neurologists, gastroenterologists, etc.

Residential Treatment Centers

Residential Treatment Centers (RTCs) are non-medical facilities that provide housing, meals, and multidisciplinary treatment for people with eating disorders. Residential treatment is appropriate for people who are not as severely ill as those who require hospitalization.

Treatment

In both hospitals and RTCs, treatment typically includes:

• Medical monitoring: This may include monitoring of vitals, intravenous fluids, tube feeding, medication, and laboratory tests. *Nutritional counseling: This will help patients learn how to eat a healthy diet and how to manage their eating disorder symptoms. *Therapy: This may include individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy. *Support groups: These can provide patients with a safe and supportive environment to share their experiences and learn from others.

Timing for Hospitalization

Hospitalization is usually recommended when a person is:

• Severely malnourished
• Has lost a significant amount of weight
• Is at risk for refeeding syndrome
• Has medical complications that need to be closely monitored
• Is suicidal or a danger to themselves or others

Steps to Take

If you think you or someone you know may have an eating disorder, it is important to seek treatment immediately. Here are some steps to take:

• Talk to your doctor: Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the best course of treatment.
• Find a therapist: A therapist can help you understand your eating disorder and develop coping mechanisms.
• Join a support group: Support groups can provide you with a safe and supportive environment to share your experiences and learn from others.
• Make lifestyle changes: Eating disorder recovery often requires making lifestyle changes, such as eating regular meals, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.

Outlook

With treatment, most people with eating disorders can recover. However, recovery is often a long-term process, and it is important to be patient and supportive.