For people with anorexia, timely treatment is a must to prevent more serious health effects from occurring. In this case, the patient may require hospitalization or in-patient treatment if they are severely underweight. They will also receive psychotherapy to address mental health and emotional concerns.
Medication can also be beneficial for many people with anorexia. These medications may also help manage emotional effects, but others can stimulate appetite and make up lost nutrition.
When it comes to the psychological aspects of this eating disorder, doctors may prescribe anxiety drugs and/or antidepressants. Possible medications can include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine, or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, which includes duloxetine.
Patients may also benefit from olanzapine, a type of antipsychotic medication. Many people with eating disorders experience a great deal of anxiety prior to eating meals, which can get in the way of recovery. Â Taking olanzapine prior to eating can assuage this anxiety and help the patient restore a healthy weight.
Undereating and severe calorie restriction often results in malnutrition. Along with recommending nutritious meals, doctors may also advise patients to take the following supplements:
While supplements can help in the interim, patients should ultimately derive the majority of their nutrients from the meals they eat.