Residential Anorexia Treatment

Offering comprehensive and compassionate anorexia treatment in Toledo, Ohio

What is Anorexia?

Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental illness characterized by significant weight loss; difficulties maintaining appropriate body weight and, for some, body dysmorphia. At any given time, anorexia nervosa will affect 0.3-0.4% of young women and 0.1% of young men, and it has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. For these reasons, treating anorexia nervosa is extremely important.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), the following are present in all diagnosed cases of anorexia:

Restriction of energy intake, resulting in significantly low body weight
Intense fear of gaining weight, despite having a significantly low body weight
Disturbance in the experience of body weight or shape; undue influence of weight or shape on self-evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of low body weight

Although all the above criteria may not be met, a serious eating disorder may still be present and anorexia treatment may still be necessary.

Learn More About Anorexia

Odyssey Behavioral Healthcare’s AVP of Clinical Services, Kate Fisch, LCSW, discusses anorexia and how Toledo Center approaches treatment.

Signs and Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa

You can’t tell if someone is struggling with anorexia just by looking at them; individuals won’t necessarily be underweight or emaciated if they have the disorder. If you believe you or a loved one may need anorexia treatment, consultation and a diagnosis still need to follow. Symptoms of anorexia nervosa vary on the length and severity of the disorder, and may include the following:

Weight loss
Preoccupation with weight, body, food, calories, fat grams, exercise and/or dieting
Refusal to eat certain foods or food groups
Avoidance of meals as well as other situations involving food
Participation in an excessive, rigid exercise regimen
Engaging in compensatory behaviors (e.g., subjective bingeing, purging, laxatives, exercise)

Complaints of constipation, abdominal pain, cold intolerance, lethargy, and/or excess energy
Denial of hunger
Development of food rituals
Withdrawal from friends, family and/or activities
Primary amenorrhea (failure to start menstrual cycle)
Secondary amenorrhea (loss of period) or has irregular periods
Dental issues, such as enamel erosion, cavities, and tooth sensitivity

Health Consequences of Anorexia Nervosa

If you’re wondering, “why is anorexia treatment important?” There are several reasons. Anorexia can seriously damage your body, as it takes a greater physical toll than most other mental health conditions, which is why it’s vital to get anorexia medical treatment. Some of the anorexia nervosa health risks include:

Slow heart rate and low blood pressure; the risk for heart failure increases as heart rate and blood pressure decrease
Reduction of bone density (dry, brittle bones); the risk for osteoporosis/osteopenia increases as bone density decreases
Muscle loss and weakness
Dehydration, which can result in kidney failure
Fainting, fatigue, and overall weakness
Dry hair and skin, hair loss
Growth of a downy layer of hair (lanugo) all over the body, including the face, to keep the body warm

Due to the severity of anorexia nervosa health risks, it’s vital to seek anorexia medical treatment at a center like Toledo Center in Ohio if you or a loved one is struggling. Additionally, since some anorexia symptoms are like those of bulimia, we also offer bulimia treatment.

Anorexia Therapy at Toledo Center

Anorexia can be severe, and even deadly. Without anorexia treatment, between 5-20% of individuals with anorexia will die from the condition. With anorexia treatment the number decreases to 2-3%. At Toledo Center, we provide individualized treatments for anorexia designed to meet the specific needs of each client. The types of anorexia therapy we offer include:

Anorexia Treatment Options

Our highly skilled clinicians work closely with each client to design an anorexia nervosa treatment plan based on an initial assessment. They then apply that anorexia nervosa treatment plan within the framework of evidence-based anorexia therapy methods. Clients play a vital role in helping set realistic treatment goals that will help them address the underlying issues of their eating disorder. Our anorexia treatment options and treatment programs include:

Our treatments for anorexia also include a Family Education and Coaching Program.

If you or a loved one is suffering from anorexia, we offer several anorexia treatment options. Contact us today at 419-603-4239 or fill out our contact form

LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Eating Disorder Treatment

A Proudly Inclusive Environment

Toledo Center is an LGBTQIA+ inclusive environment. At our treatment center, we treat clients with diverse gender identities. Our philosophy at Toledo Center is that a welcoming and inclusive environment is crucial to the recovery and healing process for all. We’re proud to be an LGBTQ+ affirming environment, meeting every client where they are with compassion and collaboration.

Anorexia Nervosa Treatment