The Treatment of Anorexia

University:
Stanford University
Course:
MED 101 | Human Anatomy
Academic year:

2024
Views:

327

Pages:

1
Author:

larbi43100

‭The treatment of anorexia‬ ‭Principles of treatment‬ ‭ he treatment of anorexia nervosa is based on several principles, including taking into account the‬ T ‭family environment (not only by evaluating its possible pathogenic role, but especially in its‬ ‭function as a therapeutic ally) and the implementation of a referent person who will ensure the‬ ‭coherence of the therapeutic project. The primary goal of treatment is to restore weight to at least‬ ‭90% of normal weight.‬ ‭Hospitalization‬‭-It is not essential in all cases. It is considered highly recommended if‬ ‭o‬ w ‭ eight is less than 75% of normal weight (even if baseline blood tests are within‬ ‭normal limits)‬ ‭o‬ ‭heart rate is less than 40 per minute; blood potassium‬ ‭o‬ ‭level is less than 2.5 mmol/liter; there is notion of suicidal‬ ‭o‬ ‭ideation or desire to self-harm; there is simultaneous‬ ‭o‬ ‭abuse of illicit substances;‬ ‭o‬ ‭outpatient treatment is ineffective.‬ ‭Hospitalization, when decided, has two main objectives:‬ ‭o‬ r‭ efeeding: preferably by natural means if this is still possible (the patient should not eat‬ ‭alone, but together with other patients). In case of extreme severity or refusal on the part of‬ ‭the patient, it is necessary to switch to assisted feeding (by gastric tube and nutripump;‬ ‭parenteral feeding seems to be avoided);‬ ‭o‬ ‭approach to personality disorders: a “weight contract”, involving the participation of the‬ ‭patient, his parents and therapists, specifies the weight at which discharge can be‬ ‭considered.‬ ‭ utpatient -‬‭Several options are possible, the indications having to be weighed for each‬ O ‭particular case:‬ o‭ ‬ s‭ upportive psychotherapy;‬ ‭o‬ ‭chemotherapy: no psychotropic drug has clearly demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment‬ ‭of anorexia nervosa, but olanpazine seems promising (acceleration of weight gain and‬ ‭reduction of obsessive disorders). Anxiolytics may be indicated as an adjunct, but any‬ ‭medications likely to cause QT prolongation on the electrocardiogram must be excluded;‬ ‭o‬ o‭ thers: dietary advice and monitoring (but be careful not to reinforce food obsessions!),‬ ‭cognitive restructuring (which aims to correct errors in certain judgments), patient groups,‬ ‭occupational therapy (music, drawing), relaxation or family therapy.‬