According to statistics, more than half of teens in treatment centers for an eating disorder had coexisting conditions. It is important that the professional staff involved do not ignore the possibility that a patient with an eating disorder has more than one mental or physical problem. Such situations demand co-occurring disorder treatment.
What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?
Co-occurring disorders have several names in the literature. They are referred to as:
1. Co-existing conditions
2. Comorbid disorders
3. Dual disorders (dual diagnosis)
In Los Angeles, clinics who specialize in eating disorders realize the need for specialized approaches.
Common Types of Co-Occurring Disorders
The need for and type of co-occurring disorder treatment depends upon the type and number of disorders that co-exist with the eating disorder. The most common are:
1. Self-mutilation
2. Depression
3. Anxiety
4. Bipolar disorders
In fact, some studies indicate that more than half of the teens with concurring disorder (in addition to eating disorder), had depression, anxiety or another related mental disorder. This strongly indicates that treating the eating disorder alone will not be effective. What is required is a multi-pronged approach that includes some form of co-occurring disorder treatment.
Focusing on Depression
When it comes to bulimia and purging bulimia, the strongest contenders for comorbid disorder are anxiety and depression. Depression is indicated by:
1. Declining school performance
2. A marked lack of interest in such things as friends, hobbies and other once enjoyable activities
3. An overall sense of sadness or feelings of hopelessness
4. Anger, rage or even restlessness
5. Changes in eating and sleeping habits
6. Low self-esteem
7. Decreased energy levels
8. Substance abuse
9. Interest in death and expressions of suicidal thoughts
Approximately 59% of bulimic teenagers and 80% of purging bulimic teens have depression. To prepare the proper program to address the eating disorder will require including the coexisting issue. A successful co-occurring disorder treatment cannot happen unless the adolescent has been properly assessed.
Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment
In Los Angeles and across the urban and rural centers of the United States, there are facilities designed to treat eating disorders. The latest approaches are not singular. Professionals have realized the necessity of treating more than the obvious disorder. They realize that eating disorders are not commonly characterized by one problem.
In addition to the multiple factors that affect the adolescent and his or her falling into an eating disorder are those that make the situation a comorbid one. From the first assessment, professionals take care to denote the nature of both the eating disorder and its coexisting disorders. By doing so, they are able to adopt and adapt a co-occurring disorder treatment that will work in favor of the teen being successful in the rehab program.
If you are considering seeking help for your teen, do not hesitate to contact the professional team at Adolescent Growth. A family-owned business in operation since 2005, we have a unique and holistic approach. Not only do we address the issue facing your teen but also any co-occurring disorder. Co-occurring Disorder Treatment in Los Angeles is designed to address the specific and individual needs of the teen.
