Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Needing 24/7 Support

By We Level Up | Author Giselle Leung, PharmD, BCGP | Editorial Policy | Research Policy

Eating disorders can affect food, thoughts, feelings, and daily life. Inpatient eating disorder treatment gives 24/7 care in a safe and structured place. This care may help adults who need more help than outpatient care can give. It also gives people time to focus on getting better.

Inpatient care may help when symptoms are severe or daily life is hard. A person may need close care, medical checks, or help with safe eating. The care team checks each person’s needs. The team can help choose the right level of care.

Eating disorder programs may include therapy, meal support, medical checks, group care, and daily help. These programs can help people with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and other eating problems. The care team makes a plan for each person. The plan can change as the person’s needs change.

Who Is a Good Fit for Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment?

When Outpatient Care Is Not Enough

Outpatient eating disorder treatment lets a person live at home while going to planned visits. This may work for people who can stay safe and follow their care plan at home. Some people need more help than weekly therapy or regular visits can give. If symptoms get worse, a higher level of care may be needed.

A person may need more support if they have serious eating problems or trouble with daily tasks. They may also need close medical care if an eating disorder affects their health. According to SAMHSA, the right level of care should match a person’s needs and may include care for both mental health and substance use when both are present. An eating disorder assessment can help the care team choose the safest level of care.

When Inpatient Eating Disorder Care May Help

Inpatient eating disorder treatment may help when a person needs care day and night. This care gives the person a set routine and close support. Treatment may include medical checks, therapy, food support, and help with daily tasks. The goal is to help the person get stable and move to a lower level of care when ready.

What Happens in Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment?

24/7 Support in a Structured Setting

People in inpatient care live at the treatment center while they get help. A set daily plan can lower stress and give them time to focus on recovery. The care team checks their progress and gives support during the day. This can help people build healthy daily habits in a safe place.

Inpatient care can also help people who feel overwhelmed by eating disorder symptoms. They do not have to handle recovery alone. Staff can give care and support as their needs change. A mental health professional can help decide what care they need.

Therapy, Nutrition Support, and Medical Care

Treatment may include one-on-one therapy, group therapy, family support, and food care. Therapy can help people understand thoughts and feelings about food, body image, and eating. The care team can also teach ways to cope with stress. Medical staff can check a person’s health and give medical support when needed.

Each treatment plan is made for the person. Some people may need help with binge eating. Others may need help with not eating enough, purging, or other eating problems. The care team can check symptoms and change care when needed. The goal is to help the person get better in mind and body.

Types of Treatments for Eating Disorders

Addressing an eating disorder demands a multifaceted treatment strategy that tends to the physical, mental, and emotional facets of these conditions. The spectrum of care encompasses everything from inpatient to outpatient services, as well as personalized therapy regimens designed for each unique type of eating disorder. Those experiencing severe symptoms may benefit from residential treatment’s structured setting while outpatient programs can provide necessary support with greater flexibility for individuals facing less acute challenges.

Crafting a tailored treatment plan is crucial for a successful recovery from an eating disorder. Here, we will look at some treatments available for eating disorders and discuss what you can expect during treatment.

Medical Care

Medical intervention is a critical component of treating anorexia nervosa, particularly when the individual’s health is severely compromised. This may involve hospitalization or inpatient care to ensure medical stabilization.

During this phase, healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, closely monitor the individual’s vital signs and nutritional intake. The focus is on restoring the individual’s physical health and addressing any immediate medical concerns, such as electrolyte imbalances, heart issues, or other life-threatening complications that may arise from severe malnutrition.

Medication

Medications can be helpful for many people struggling with an eating disorder. Some medications used include:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Lisdexamfetamine
• Methylphenidate
• Topiramate
• Atomoxetine
• Zonisamide

Work with your prescriber to determine if medication may be a good option for you.

Nutritional rehabilitation and counseling

Nutritional rehabilitation plays a pivotal role in the treatment process. Registered dietitians work closely with individuals to develop a structured meal plan that promotes gradual and healthy weight gain. This plan is tailored to the individual’s specific nutritional needs and preferences, ensuring that they receive adequate nutrients to support their recovery. 

Nutritional counseling aims to normalize eating patterns, reduce the cycle of restriction and binging, and promote a positive relationship with food. By addressing nutritional deficiencies and educating individuals about the importance of regular, balanced meals, this aspect of treatment plays a vital role in restoring physical health and preventing relapse.

Behavioral weight loss

Behavioral weight loss is a way to help people diagnosed with binge eating disorder change their eating habits and lose weight in a healthy way. This treatment focuses on teaching people how to eat better, move more, and deal with their feelings without turning to food. It usually involves working with a therapist or counselor who helps set realistic goals and teaches skills to make better food choices and control portions.

In this treatment, you learn to keep track of what you eat and how much you exercise. You also learn ways to cope with stress and emotions that don’t involve food. The goal is to slowly change habits over time, rather than trying to make big changes all at once. This can help you feel more in control of your eating and weight. While it may not stop all binge eating episodes, it can help reduce how often they happen and improve overall health.

Complementary therapies

In addition to these core components, treatment may include complementary therapies such as art therapy, yoga, or mindfulness practices. These therapies can enhance the overall treatment experience by providing additional outlets for self-expression and stress relief. They help people positively reconnect with their bodies, promoting a sense of well-being and self-acceptance.

Family and community support

Family and community support, such as support groups, are important during the recovery process.

By involving family members in the treatment process, those living with an eating disorder can receive additional support and understanding from their loved ones, which can be instrumental in their recovery journey. 

This approach not only addresses the individual’s needs but also works to resolve any family dynamics that could have contributed to developing the disorder. This is an ongoing process and an addition to the Family-based therapy (FBT) discussed earlier.

Support groups provide invaluable social connections and insights into the shared experiences of those living with an eating disorder. These communal spaces offer emotional reinforcement and practical guidance, aiding individuals on their path to recovery from disordered eating behaviors. 

By participating in support groups, you can share your challenges and successes with others who understand your struggles. This collective environment can be a powerful motivator, encouraging individuals to stay committed to their recovery goals.

For people with pica, it is important to make the environment safer. Family members are key to this positive change. This might mean removing easy-to-reach non-food items that the person tends to eat. Family members and caregivers can also play a big role by keeping a close eye on the individual and encouraging them to stick to their treatment plan.

Psychotherapy

Psychological therapy is another cornerstone of treatment. Below are some of the most common types of psychotherapy used to treat an eating disorder.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

One of the most effective treatments for bulimia nervosa is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This form of therapy is designed to help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with their eating disorder. 

CBT focuses on understanding the triggers that lead to binge eating and purging episodes and developing healthier coping mechanisms to manage these triggers. By addressing the underlying cognitive distortions and emotional issues, CBT empowers you to regain control over your eating behaviors and improve your mental health and resilience.

Through CBT, you learn to challenge negative beliefs and develop healthier coping mechanisms. CBT is often used with other therapeutic approaches such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which we will discuss below, or interpersonal therapy (IPT), which addresses interpersonal issues that may contribute to the disorder.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

In addition to CBT, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is another therapeutic approach that has been used effectively to treat eating disorders. DBT emphasizes the importance of emotional regulation and mindfulness, teaching you how to manage your emotions effectively and reduce impulsive behaviors. 

This therapy is particularly beneficial for people who struggle with intense emotional responses and have difficulty coping with stress. By fostering skills such as distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness, DBT helps build resilience and enhances your ability to navigate challenging situations without resorting to disordered eating behaviors.

There are 4 major components of DBT you will work on with your therapist:

• Mindfulness: This is about being fully aware and present in the moment. It helps you observe and describe your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
• Distress Tolerance: These skills help you cope with difficult situations that you can’t change right away. They teach you how to accept reality and survive crisis moments without making things worse.
• Emotion Regulation: This component focuses on understanding your emotions better and learning how to manage them effectively. It includes identifying and labeling emotions and finding healthy ways to decrease the intensity of negative emotions.
• Interpersonal Effectiveness: These skills help you communicate better with others, set boundaries, and maintain self-respect. They teach you how to ask for what you need and say no when necessary while keeping relationships healthy.

Family-based therapy

Family-based therapy (FBT) has proven particularly effective in adolescents and young adults, but it can be helpful for people of all ages.

FBT involves family members in the recovery process, helping to improve communication and create a supportive home environment. Families learn strategies to support their loved one’s recovery, address any family dynamics that may contribute to the disorder, and reinforce healthy eating habits.

In doing so, FBT empowers parents and family members to support their loved one’s recovery and gives them the tools to do so.

Habit reversal training

Habit reversal training can be helpful, especially for rumination disorder. It helps you become more aware of your rumination behavior and teaches you alternative responses to replace the regurgitation habit.

Types of Eating Disorders Treated

Eating disorders can affect the body and mind. Common types include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Other eating problems can also cause serious health issues.

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder can cause a person to eat a lot of food and feel unable to stop. A person may eat fast, eat when they are not hungry, or feel bad after eating. Treatment for binge eating disorder can help people understand these habits and learn new ways to cope. Care may include therapy, health checks, and other support.

Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa may cause a person to eat very little or fear gaining weight. A person may also have an unhealthy view of their body or weight. Bulimia nervosa may cause binge eating followed by vomiting, fasting, or too much exercise. Both conditions can harm the body and may need close care.

Common Signs of Eating Problems

Signs of an eating disorder can be different for each person. Some signs may affect food, eating habits, body image, or daily life. A person may hide how they eat or feel shame about food. The National Institute of Mental Health says eating disorders are not a choice and can affect people of all body sizes.

Possible signs may include:

• Eating a lot of food in a short time
• Feeling unable to stop eating
• Eating alone or hiding food
• Skipping meals or avoiding many foods
• Fear of gaining weight
• Frequent dieting
• Vomiting after eating
• Exercising too much
• Strong worry about body shape or weight
• Feeling shame or guilt after eating

A person does not need to have all these signs to need help. An eating disorder test or screening may help find a concern, but only a qualified professional can diagnose an eating disorder. If you worry about your eating habits, an eating disorder assessment can help you find the next step.

Care and Support During Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment

We Level Up offers care in a Joint Commission-accredited setting. Care starts with a full check of eating habits, mental health, physical health, and daily life. The team may ask about past care and current needs. This helps the team make a care plan for each person.

Eating Disorder Check and Care Plan

Treatment often starts with a full check. The care team may ask about eating, mental health, physical health, and daily life. They may also ask about past care and current needs. This helps the team make a care plan that fits the person.

One-on-One and Group Therapy

One-on-one therapy gives a person time to talk with a therapist. It can help with thoughts, feelings, and eating habits. Group therapy lets people learn skills with others. Care may include CBT and other types of therapy when they fit the person’s needs.

Family Help and Daily Skills

Family support can help loved ones learn about eating disorders. It can also help them learn how to give safe support. Treatment may teach skills for stress, feelings, and daily life. These skills can help a person prepare for life after inpatient care.

Benefits of Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment

Inpatient care provides more support than standard outpatient treatment. People receive care in a structured setting and may have access to support throughout the day and night. This can help when symptoms are severe or daily life feels hard to manage. The care team can also check progress more often.

A structured setting can help reduce triggers and outside stress. It gives people time to focus on treatment and recovery. With support, a person can work on eating habits, emotions, coping skills, and other concerns. The treatment team can help prepare the person for the next level of care.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Eating Disorder Care

Outpatient eating disorder treatment lets a person live at home while going to care visits. It may work for people who can stay safe and follow their care plan at home. Inpatient care gives more structure and support each day. A professional check can help find the right level of care.

A person may move to a new level of care as their needs change. Some people may start with inpatient care and later move to PHP or IOP. Others may start with outpatient care. The care team can check progress and help choose the next step.

How Long Does Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Last?

The length of inpatient eating disorder treatment is different for each person. It may depend on symptoms, physical health, safety needs, treatment progress, and the person’s ability to manage daily life. There is no single treatment timeline that works for everyone. The care team can review progress during treatment.

As symptoms improve, the person may be ready for more independence. The team may then plan a step-down to residential, PHP, IOP, or outpatient care. This can help the person keep building skills while receiving the right level of support. Discharge planning should begin early in treatment.

What Happens After Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment?

Many people keep getting care after they leave inpatient treatment. They may move to residential care, PHP, IOP, or outpatient eating disorder treatment. More care can help them keep making progress. The next step depends on what each person needs.

Before leaving, the care team can make a discharge plan. The plan may include therapy, medical visits, nutrition support, and family help. It may also teach ways to manage stress and avoid harmful eating habits. Ongoing care can help support long-term recovery.

Eating Disorders and Other Mental Health Concerns

Eating disorders can happen with other mental health problems. These may include anxiety, depression, trauma, or drug and alcohol problems. Having more than one problem can make recovery harder.

When a person has an eating disorder and a drug or alcohol problem, care may need to address both. Treatment can help with eating habits, mental health, and substance use. This can give the person a more complete care plan. The goal is to help the person work on all their needs.

Start Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Today

Starting treatment can feel hard, but help is available. The first step may include a private assessment to learn about symptoms, health needs, and past treatment. Our admissions team can explain care options, insurance help, and the next steps. A professional can help find the right level of care.

If inpatient eating disorder treatment is not the best fit, another level of care may be recommended. This may include residential care, PHP, IOP, or outpatient treatment. We Level Up has treatment facilities in Florida, Texas, California, Washington, and New Jersey. Call (844) 597-1011 today to speak with our team and take the first step toward eating disorder recovery.

What You Will Learn

• Step-down care can help support long-term recovery after inpatient treatment.
• Inpatient eating disorder treatment provides structured support for people who need a higher level of care.
• Eating disorders can affect mental and physical health.
• Treatment may include therapy, medical care, nutrition support, and family support.
• Treatment for binge eating disorder and other eating disorders can be personalized.

FAQs About Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment