How Is Anorexia Treated?
- Dr Sara Parsi di Landrone
- Dec 10, 2025
- 3 min read
Therapy and Treatment Options
Modern Approaches and Support
Summary:
Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder that affects both physical health and psychological wellbeing. Treatment is rarely about a single intervention. Instead, recovery is usually supported through a carefully coordinated combination of approaches, adjusted as needs change over time.
This article outlines how anorexia is commonly treated today and why a multidisciplinary approach is considered essential.
Treatment is built around assessment, not assumptions
Effective treatment for anorexia begins with a thorough assessment. This looks beyond eating behaviour alone and considers:
Physical health and medical risk
Eating patterns and nutritional intake
Psychological and emotional factors
Developmental stage, life context, and neurodiversity
Assessment helps determine what level of support is needed, what should be prioritised first, and how care should be paced.
Psychological therapy as the central framework
Psychological therapy plays a key role in treating anorexia, but it is not used in isolation.
Therapy provides a space to explore:
Beliefs about food, weight, and the body
Fear, control, and safety
Emotional regulation and coping strategies
Ambivalence about change
Different therapeutic models may be used depending on the person’s age, history, and presentation. What they share is a focus on understanding behaviour rather than forcing compliance.
The role of nutritional rehabilitation
Anorexia affects the brain as well as the body. Without adequate nourishment, psychological work becomes significantly harder.
Nutritional support aims to:
Restore physical stability
Reduce the effects of under-nutrition on thinking and mood
Support gradual normalisation of eating
This work is usually guided by a specialist dietitian and adapted to the individual’s pace, preferences, and needs.
Why medical monitoring matters
Where weight loss or restriction has affected physical health, medical monitoring is an important part of treatment.
This may include:
Monitoring vital signs
Blood tests
Review of bone health or other complications
Medical input supports safety and helps guide treatment decisions, particularly during periods of change.
Supporting complexity and co-existing needs
Many people with anorexia also experience:
Anxiety or depression
Trauma histories
Obsessive or perfectionistic traits
Neurodivergent sensory or cognitive differences
Modern treatment approaches recognise that these factors influence recovery and may require specific adaptations, such as trauma-informed care or sensory-aware interventions.
Holistic and supportive approaches
In addition to core treatment components, some people benefit from approaches that support emotional expression and regulation, such as:
Mindfulness-based practices
Creative therapies
Carefully supervised re-introduction of movement
These are not replacements for treatment, but can be helpful adjuncts when used appropriately.
Why treatment plans evolve over time
Recovery from anorexia is not static. Needs often change as physical health stabilises and psychological work deepens.
Treatment plans are therefore:
Reviewed regularly
Adjusted based on progress and challenges
Responsive rather than fixed
Flexibility is a strength, not a failure.
When to seek professional support
If restrictive eating, weight loss, or fear around food is affecting health, mood, or daily life, professional support is important. Early intervention can reduce risk and support more sustainable recovery.
You do not need to be certain about severity or outcomes before seeking help.
How we can help
At The Eating Disorders Clinic, we provide assessment-led, multidisciplinary treatment for anorexia nervosa. Care is individualised, carefully coordinated, and grounded in clinical governance.
Our focus is on safety, understanding, and long-term wellbeing rather than quick solutions.
A gentle next step
If you are concerned about anorexia or unsure what support may be appropriate, you are welcome to book a free initial call with our team.
You can also review our website to understand how our service works before making any decisions.
Author: Dr. Sara Parsi – Clinical Director, Lead Psychologist at the Eating Disorders Clinic
References:
Fairburn, C. G. (2008). Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Eating Disorders. Guilford Press.
