Background.

An eating disorder is a serious mental illness that affects the whole body, mentally and physically. Women are more likely to develop an eating disorder than men. The largest diagnostic group is the EDNOS group (Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified) which includes BED (Binge Eating Disorder). This study focuses on the two other diagnostic groups, Anorexia Nervosa (self-starvation) and Bulimia Nervosa (binging and self-induced purging).

Aim

This study’s aim is to describe treatment options for people with eating disorders.

Method

An examination of articles was conducted. Articles were retrieved from data bases andanalysed.

Results

The findings were divided into themes and subthemes. Four themes were found, psychotherapeutic treatment, psychopharmacological treatment,treatment with alternative methods and the importance of a therapeutic relationship.The result shows that there are several treatment methods for an eating disorder and that the caregiver has a major part in the recovery.

Conclusion

No universal treatment was found so it’s important to adapt the treatment to the person’s needs. It’s also important to remember to not insult or wound the person. As a caregiver it’s necessary to remember to see beyond the disorder and see the person behind it in order to build a therapeutic relationship