An accomplished gymnast who had reached national competitions by the age of 10, had fallen to the disease of anorexia nervosa. At this time Marisa heard the words .
Treatment of Eating 4.
of her coach, " If you were a little lighter Marisa, maybe you will make something of your self" (2). Marisa's parents had no idea of this illness that had destroyed their daughter until her 80 pound, two ounce body had collapsed just minutes before a major gymnastics competition (Crocco, 1). After six years and four hospitalizations, Marisa has finally beaten her struggle with anorexia. .
Treatment.
According to Dianne Neumark, " Prevention of eating disorders falls into primary, secondary, and tertiary categories." (68) Primary prevention reduces or eliminates eating-disorder risk factors. Secondary prevention uses early identification and intervention to reduce the disorders duration. Tertiary prevention seeks to reduce impairments caused by the disorder that is already established (69).
Typically the first health care professional to diagnose anorexia or bulimia is a family doctor or pediatrician. After initial assessment, the person may be referred to a specialist in eating disorders or an eating disorder clinic (Waxler, 3). Initially, victims of eating disorders are given a carefully prescribed diet of simple foods to nourish the starved body. As patients start to gain weight, foods with higher fat content and more calories are introduced gradually (Nash, 69). Patients may need to stay in a hospital or other facility where their nutritional status can be carefully restored (Waxler, 3). During hospitalization, privileges are sometimes granted in return for weight gain. This is known as a behavioral contract, and privileges may include such desirable activities as leaving the hospital for an afternoon outing (Dove, 4).
Treatment of Eating 5.
Doctor Dove notes that the second step to the treatment of eating disorders is individual therapy.
