Did you know that eating disorders affect roughly 9% of the global population?
Most people don’t realize how difficult dealing with eating disorders can be. You must pay attention to comments about your weight because the disorders cause weight gain and loss. And the worst part about it is that you can’t control your behavior around food.
So, choosing eating disorder specialists is essential to achieving more control. How do you choose the right specialist when facing thousands of options?
Read on as we explore factors to consider when choosing one.
Let’s get started!
1. Reputation
List several eating disorder specialist options to start you off. Then, assess their reputation by looking at their references and reviews.
You can talk to patients who’ve worked with them or look for their reviews online. Either way, assessing past patient testimonials can save you a lot of trouble.
Pay particular attention to patients’ opinions on their specialists’ professionalism. You can also ask about how the specialists deal with eating disorder relapse. You don’t want someone who can’t help you when you’re most vulnerable.
2. Therapeutic Approach
Eating disorder recovery isn’t dependent on specific medication like other illnesses. Instead, specialists use therapy to help patients reduce or eliminate eating disorder behaviors.
Schedule meetings with several specialists to get a deeper insight into their treatments. The right specialist will suggest either of the following:
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Cognitive remediation therapy
• Interpersonal psychotherapy
• Psychodynamic psychotherapy
• Family-based therapy
Remember, eating disorder therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. Find a specialist who recommends a therapeutic approach after understanding your disorder.
3. Location
It’s tempting to want to choose a specialist who’s far from your home. After all, few people want the world to know they’re struggling with eating disorders.
Nonetheless, think about how your specialist’s location can affect your recovery. Choosing one who’s too far away will affect your ability to attend sessions regularly. So, focus on specialists who’re near your home or place of work.
Or, you can always hire one who’s far from you if they offer video sessions. In this case, ensure you ask about their services during emergencies.
What will they do in the event of an eating disorder relapse? The right specialist will have measures to accommodate you remotely.
4. Training and Experience
The right specialist will have received training in therapy and eating disorders. They’ll also be members of bodies like the National Centre for Eating Disorders.
Such organizations promote continuous training in eating disorders among members. So, a specialist in these bodies will be better suited to handle varying cases.
Also, consider their eating disorder treatment experience. Pay specific attention to their experience treating your specific disorder. Common disorders include anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder.
Simplify Choosing Eating Disorder Specialists by Checking the Right Things
Don’t hire the first eating disorder professional you come across. The process of choosing eating disorder specialists requires more patience and preparation. Consider factors like reputation, location, and experience to find the best fit.
If you’ve enjoyed this article, you’ll love our other health blog posts. Check them out today!
