People with eating disorders frequently experience medical complications, which can affect all systems of the body.
It may be helpful to understand what will happen in these parameters for an eating disorder.
Overview of Hospitalization for Eating Disorders
Inpatient hospitalization is the most intensive level of treatment.
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Considerations for Hospitalization for Eating Disorders
Because hospitalization is very expensive, it is usually short-term.
The medical management available at the inpatient level is very important.
Many patients require monitoring of vitals, intravenous fluids, tube feeding, medication, and laboratory tests.
Patients are monitored by round-the-clock nursing staff.
It may also include other specialists if needed.
Hospital staff also will provide basic nutrition information and nutritional counseling, and a dietitian will plan meals.
This tube then can carry nutrition directly to the stomach.
Medical refeeding is one of the unique services that inpatient hospitalization is able to provide.
Another form of support that inpatient hospitalization is able to provide issupported meals.
Staff members will typically supervise all of a patients meals to provide support and monitor intake.
Hospitalized patients will also receive counseling with a therapist and an evaluation by a psychiatrist.
When Might Someone Be Hospitalized for an Eating Disorder?
Although hospitalization can be scary, it is also a necessary component of treatment for many people.
If your therapist, physician, or dietitian recommends hospitalization, kindly go.
It may keep your life.
Choosing not to go to the hospital when needed can be extremely dangerous.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
The goal of residential treatment is to improve physical andpsychological health.
The average length of stay in a residential treatment center is 80 days.
Patients receive supervised meals.
Intensive psychotherapy, or counseling, is usually a routine part of residential treatment.
In some centers, they may be able to meet with their individual therapist several times during the week.
They will also usually attend group therapy sessions and family therapy sessions.
Takeaways
Hospitalization is one option in the treatment of eating disorders.
Medical hospitalization is considered the highest level of care.
It is the most expensive option, and tends to be used when a person needs medical stabilization.
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