Eating Disorder Treatment Can Be Overwhelming—These Organizations Will Help You Take the First Step Toward Getting Well

Understanding the Scale of the Issue: Statistics and Treatment Gap

In a 2020 report from Harvard STRIPED, the Academy for Eating Disorders, and Deloitte, it was revealed that 9 percent of the U.S. population—equivalent to 28.8 million Americans—will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime. However, only 23 percent of those diagnosed with an eating disorder will seek treatment, despite these disorders being the second deadliest mental health condition in the U.S.

Stigma: A Formidable Barrier to Seeking Treatment

The pervasive issue of stigma poses a significant obstacle to individuals seeking and receiving the necessary help for eating disorders. Stigma often leads to individuals being perceived as “responsible” for their condition, contributing to a significant treatment gap and perpetuating a lack of understanding regarding the complexity of these disorders.

Weight Bias: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment

Weight bias, encompassing negative societal attitudes towards individuals with larger bodies, further complicates the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders. Christine Byrne, RD, an anti-diet dietitian, points out that reliance on the body mass index (BMI) as a diagnostic tool can lead to overlooked cases in individuals with higher weights.

Personal Stories: The Human Face of Diagnosis Challenges

Sharon Maxwell’s personal experience highlights the challenges individuals face in receiving accurate diagnoses. Diagnosed with anorexia after a prolonged period, Maxwell recounted how doctors praised her weight loss instead of recognizing the clear signs of her eating disorder. This illustrates a broader issue within the healthcare system, where professionals may lack sufficient training to identify eating disorder symptoms.

Lack of Training in the Medical Community

The lack of training extends beyond individual experiences, affecting the medical community as a whole. A 2019 study found that only under 2 percent of emergency room physicians, who often encounter patients at critical stages of eating disorders, had completed an eating disorder-focused rotation during their residencies. Furthermore, the majority were unfamiliar with key diagnostic manuals and treatment recommendations for eating disorders.

Struggling to Access Care: A Personal Perspective

Shandra Ashford, MSW, a family mentor at digital eating disorder treatment company Equip, shared her struggle to find competent medical care when her daughter developed an eating disorder at age 11. Ashford’s experience is unfortunately common, as a 2022 study reported a delay of over five years between the first signs of eating disorder symptoms and receiving treatment.

The Financial Toll of Treatment

Even with a diagnosis, accessing treatment can be expensive and time-consuming. Traditional eating disorder treatment often requires multiple appointments per week with therapists, dietitians, and other medical professionals. This can be overwhelming, particularly if it involves taking time off work for appointments or an in-person stay at a treatment center.

The Evolving Landscape of Treatment: Virtual Options and Challenges

Christine Byrne highlights the evolving landscape of eating disorder treatment, noting the emergence of virtual comprehensive treatment options. These options offer greater flexibility and accessibility, breaking down geographical barriers. However, financial constraints remain a significant challenge. Insurance coverage may not fully cover the required treatment, and the costs can be substantial.

Empowering Through Education: A Key to Overcoming Barriers

To overcome these challenges, experts recommend education and awareness. Shandra Ashford emphasizes the importance of self-education, citing her experience as a single parent navigating the unfamiliar terrain of eating disorders. Empowering oneself with knowledge can lead to more informed conversations with healthcare providers and better advocacy for the needed treatment.

Resources for Accessibility: Organizations Making a Difference

Several organizations provide resources to make eating disorder treatment more accessible. The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) offers a free helpline staffed by volunteers, providing emotional support and referrals to treatment centers. The National Alliance for Eating Disorders provides educational resources, free weekly support groups, and a helpline staffed by licensed therapists.

Specific Communities: Tailored Support for Diverse Needs

For specific communities, the FedUp Collective serves queer, trans, and gender-diverse individuals with eating disorders. While currently pausing virtual support groups, the organization offers a directory of gender-affirming mental health providers and vetted eating disorder support groups.

Comprehensive Treatment Options: Equip and Arise

Equip and Arise are examples of virtual comprehensive treatment options. Equip, in particular, offers an entire care team, including dietitians, therapists, and other medical providers, accessible through phones or computers. They are in-network with most insurance plans, enhancing affordability and accessibility. Arise provides outpatient eating disorder treatment in a virtual setting.

Support Groups: A Crucial Element in the Recovery Journey

Support groups play a crucial role in the recovery journey. ANAD Communities of HEALing offers free peer support groups for individuals with eating disorders, as well as for siblings and caregivers. The Eating Disorder Foundation provides virtual and in-person identity-based support groups, catering to various demographics.

Local and Identity-Based Groups: A Holistic Approach

Eating Disorder Hope offers a directory of support groups organized by state, facilitating the search for local meet-ups. Sage and Spoon, a free monthly support group, specifically focuses on Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) over age 18. Liberating Jasper, run by therapists, provides support groups for queer, BIPOC, neurodivergent individuals, and others seeking help for eating disorders.

Conclusion: Advocacy for Change and a Supportive Future

In conclusion, the landscape of eating disorder treatment is multifaceted, with numerous barriers and challenges. Addressing stigma, weight bias, and inadequate training of healthcare professionals are essential steps in improving access to care. While financial constraints remain a significant hurdle, the emergence of virtual comprehensive treatment options and support from various organizations offers hope for a more accessible and supportive future for individuals with eating disorders. It is crucial to continue advocating for awareness, education, and systemic changes to ensure that everyone facing an eating disorder receives the care they deserve. In addition to addressing immediate challenges, sustained efforts in research and policy reform are vital for a lasting impact on eating disorder treatment. By fostering a culture of empathy and understanding, society can contribute to destigmatizing these disorders. Continued collaboration between healthcare providers, advocacy groups, and policymakers is imperative to create a healthcare system that is truly inclusive and supportive. The ongoing commitment to awareness, education, and systemic changes will play a pivotal role in ensuring that individuals facing eating disorders receive the comprehensive and compassionate care they deserve in the evolving landscape of mental health treatment.