Anorexia Nervosa
WHAT IS ANOREXIA?
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder in which people maintain a significantly low weight by limiting their nutritional intake or engaging in behaviours such as excessive exercise. Those with anorexia will typically have a fear of weight gain or becoming fat, and a distorted view of their condition, for example, seeing themselves as larger than they are or believing there is no problem with their low weight (despite the significant health risks). Sometimes people with anorexia may binge or purge (anorexia nervosa - binge/purge subtype) just as in bulimia nervosa.
ATYPICAL ANOREXIA AND ORTHOREXIA
Atypical anorexia is a diagnosis recognised in DSM 5 (a diagnostic manual) where people present with all the features of anorexia nervosa (restrictive eating, fear of weight gain), however do not present as significantly underweight. These people may have lost a considerable amount of weight but still be within a healthy weight range, or they may have had their weight increased within a different treatment setting, for example an inpatient setting, but still experience all of the cognitive, psychological and emotional features of anorexia. It is very important that these people are still recognised as having anorexia, and that not too much importance is placed on a person’s weight when giving a diagnosis of anorexia. Treatment for atypical anorexia should be exactly the same as treatment for anorexia. There has also recently been recognition of a related condition called orthoerxia, in which a focus on healthy eating can become obsessive and damaging to health. There is more information about this here.
HELPING SOMEONE WITH ANOREXIA
Whilst there is no single reason why someone will develop anorexia, there is normally an underlying emotional cause. Anorexia may help someone to feel in control, to feel successful or strong, to avoid or escape challenging emotions, or to communicate a message to others about how they are feeling. It is important that treatment addresses this.
People with anorexia often don’t seek help; perhaps they’re afraid of changing their eating or they don’t recognise they have a problem. Many people have successfully hidden their condition for a long time – sometimes years. The most important first step is for someone with anorexia to realise that they need help and want to get better. If you suspect someone you know has anorexia, talk to them about your worries and encourage them to seek help. This can be a very difficult conversation because they may not accept they have a problem. But it’s important not to criticise or pressurise as this can make things worse.
TREATMENT FOR ANOREXIA
For adults with anorexia, NICE Guidelines recommend enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-E), Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA), or Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM). For children and adolescents with anorexia, Family-Based Treatment (FBT) is almost always recommended, either in isolation or in combination with individual therapy. However, other treatments might be useful if these are not sufficient or acceptable - these can be discussed further at assessment.
Specialist Team
The London Centre comprises specialist health professionals trained in evidence-based treatments for eating disorders. The team include:
Psychiatrists
Clinical Psychologists
Counselling Psychologists
Trainee Psychologists
Occupational Therapists
Dietitians
Family/Couple Therapists
Diverse Treatment Options
The clinic's specialist nature and the experience of its team also enable the offering of a wide variety of treatment approaches and therapies. The clinics offer both in-person and remote consultations.Personalised Care
At the London Centre, we believe it's important to align our patients with both the right clinician and the appropriate treatment. While we ensure the use of evidence-based therapies we also ensure taking the time to listen to client preferences. This approach enables us to find the therapist and approach that best suits your needs.Testimonials
How it works
Our team conducts a comprehensive evaluation, leveraging the expertise of multiple specialists, to ensure that our treatment is effective and tailored to your personal recovery.
Step 1
Contact Us
Before making an appointment you can contact us with any questions you might have via phone, email or by using our online contact form. Your first contact will more than likely be with Kerry, our wonderful PA.Step 2
Assessment
Before the initial session, clients are requested to complete a brief questionnaire regarding their current circumstances, preferences, and availability for appointments. While not mandatory, this information assists us in matching individuals with the most suitable clinician.Step 3
First Session
Following the assessment, clients will have a session to discuss their recommended treatment plan. A start date will be agreed upon, and arrangements will be made for an initial session.Featured
FAQs
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The fees do vary depending on, which clinician you see. For a full summary of our fees, what health insurance company policies we accept, and details about making payments please click the link. (https://www.thelondoncentre.co.uk/fees)
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Our Team PA, Kerry, is available to answer any questions you may have prior to booking an assessment. If you would like to discuss treatment options or have a general conversation prior to booking, you are able to schedule a call with Mini Jones, our Clinic Lead who is always happy to discuss any questions or concerns. For further information, or to request a call back, please click the link provided to get in touch via email, phone, or through our online contact form.(https://www.thelondoncentre.co.uk/book-an-appointment)
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It is important to note that we do have a 24 hour cancellation policy on all booked appointments. Any cancellations received within 24 hours remain fully charged.
We request payment for an initial assessment appointment in advance of your appointment, which you can make over the phone using a debit or credit card or via the secure payment link sent to you with your invoice. For any further treatment sessions, and unless covered by private health insurance, we will invoice you sessionally which is payable upon receipt, however, we offer a maximum 30-day period in order to receive payment.
All appointment reminders will be sent to you via our client management system ‘Cliniko’ - notifications@cliniko.com please do add this email address to your inbox contacts to ensure all communications are received promptly. -
Therapy is most effective when a series of appointments tailored to your individual requirements can be established. The NICE guidelines are between 20-40 appointments but we are guided by our clients depending on their needs, preference, and motivation to adopt change. We will always remain flexible to accommodate your preferences.