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Conditions We Treat

Anorexia Rehab Treatment

Written By Stuart Croft
Reviewed By Tiffany Green
Medically Reviewed By Wajahat Choudhry
Updated January 11, 2023

Anorexia is an eating disorder characterised by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. This destructive disorder can severely damage physical health, emotional well-being, and social relations, all while the individual remains trapped in a cycle of anxiety and obsessively restrictive eating. 

Those living with anorexia often fail to acknowledge the harm they are causing themselves, minimising the seriousness of their condition and viewing it as a personal choice or step towards achieving the perfect body. Interventions by loved ones accompanied by trained intervention specialists are often the necessary catalyst to get someone into anorexia rehab treatment.

Gladstones Clinic offers specialised treatment for anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders. Our approach addresses the root causes of anorexia, including factors like body dysmorphia, low self-esteem, and anxiety disorders, in a medically supervised residential care facility. Our private and comfortable rooms are ideal for recovery; a sanctuary where you receive personalised and tailored treatment to overcome anorexia, build up your sense of self-esteem, and physically recover back to a healthy weight.

Need help in battling anorexia?

Overcome anorexia and reclaim your health. Take the first step with Gladstones Clinic for expert care, personalised treatment, and lasting recovery.

Learn more about anorexia nervosa

What causes anorexia?

Like many other eating disorders, anorexia nervosa is the product of a number of interconnected factors. While psychological factors and traits such as perfectionism, high levels of anxiety, and a need to be in control are all linked to an increased chance of developing anorexia, social pressures and cultural norms that idealise thinness and disparage obesity can also contribute to the development of anorexia, especially among teenagers and young adults. 

Certain biological factors also significantly increase the chances of developing anorexia. Genetic predispositions and family histories of eating and/or mental health disorders have been linked to anorexia, as have environmental factors such as poor family dynamics and overbearing, overly critical parenting. By choosing what to eat, anorexia patients gain a measure of control in a world where they otherwise might have very little.

When to seek treatment for anorexia?

Anorexia, while commonly associated with the physical harm being underweight causes, is also a disorder of the mind and a cause of stress, anxiety, and a constant obsession with how one looks. Seeking anorexia rehab treatment services as early as possible not only helps prevent physical harm such as cardiovascular, hormonal, and neurological damage but can significantly improve the patient’s psychological well-being, overall happiness, and quality of life.

If you identify any of these symptoms of anorexia in yourself or a loved one, please consider seeking professional rehab treatment.

What happens in anorexia treatment?

1. Assessment & Personalised Treatment Plan

With so many factors contributing to the development of anorexia, it is imperative that your treatment plan is comprehensive and addresses them all to ensure a successful long-term recovery. Your Gladstones anorexia rehab treatment starts with a detailed assessment of your physical and psychological health. This empowers us to diagnose any coexisting contributing factors and develop a tailored treatment plan that is safe, effective, and comprehensive. 

2. Behavioural Therapies

Behavioural therapies are central to our anorexia treatment programme. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is widely used in anorexia rehab treatment, and Gladstones heavily relies on this proven modality to help our patients recognise and alter harmful eating behaviours and distorted thoughts about body image. CBT also provides strategies for managing triggers and preventing relapse. Our comprehensive and integrative approach to therapy means that you will also receive other targeted therapies to help you deal with anxiety and conflict and build your levels of self-awareness. 

3. Addressing Underlying Issues

Anorexia is very often accompanied by co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Our therapies address these underlying issues in an acknowledgement of their contribution to eating disorders. By tackling these problems, patients can learn healthier ways to cope with emotional challenges.

It is not uncommon for difficult family dynamics and conflicts to exacerbate anorexia. In the same breath, anorexia and the stress it causes others can put further strain on family relationships, leading to a cycle of emotional stress and misunderstanding. Anorexia treatment, especially in teenagers, is often accompanied by family therapy to rebuild trust, enhance communication, and engage family members in the recovery process. 

4. Rebuilding Physical Health

A unique component of anorexia rehab treatment is having to deal with patients who are often in fragile physical health due to being severely underweight. In addition to providing round-the-clock medical care, our talented chefs with years of experience in the rehab niche provide regular, nutritionally balanced, and delicious meals, all supported by physical therapies that further facilitate physical recovery. 

5. Aftercare and Ongoing Support

Recovery from anorexia is an ongoing process. Even if the patient is eating healthy and moving back towards a normal body weight, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the battle is over. Lingering psychological factors and fears might relapse down the line, causing the patient to spiral out of control again. Gladstones Clinic is fully committed to the long-term recovery of our patients and offers a variety of post-treatment care programmes that guarantee access to mental health services, additional therapy, and access to a kind and caring community that supports each other through our struggles.

Get professional help in dealing with anorexia

With personalised care and treatment, comfortable and relaxing facilities, and a 20-year track record of successfully treating our patients’ anorexia and other eating disorders, Gladstones Clinic is the ideal partner to start your journey to recovery. 

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