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By Dr. Cris Haltom
(Part 1, Part 2)
Here are some tips for coping with early treatment frustrations.
1. Work on DISMISSING EXPECTATIONS THAT TREATMENT WILL BE SIMPLE AND SHORT.
2. DON'T CELEBRATE RECOVERY TOO EARLY. Early pounds gained or inhibited purging in response to threats of not being able to return to normal activities until sufficient recovery occurs, e.g., inability to return to college until weight is restored, may be temporary. While early gains can make a great start, progress can easily give way to setbacks and disappointment when eating disorder symptoms return after the sufferer returns to normal activities.
3. Don't expect too much too soon from your child. Quick, early behavioral gains which have not been adequately adjusted to emotionally can lead to relapse, resistance and a defeatist sense of failure in treatment. SMALL, DOABLE GAINS ARE PREFERRED.
4. Be careful not to become reductionistic in your thinking about recovery. Positive diet changes and pounds gained or lost are important but not the only criteria for treatment success. EATING DISORDERS ARE MULTIFACETED AND REQUIRE BOTH EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL CHANGES.
5. The eating disorder has compromised your child's ability to feel and express pain. Early treatment may reveal some uncomfortable issues. BE PREPARED TO COPE WITH PAIN THAT SURFACES early in treatment. Since emotional pain can drive symptoms, feeling emotional pain may lead to setbacks - even though it is also an important step in recovery.
6. EXPECT SETBACKS. Recovery is often not predictable with regard to the course it will follow.
7. Reassure your child that while you would like to see him or her recover, YOU KNOW RECOVERY WILL TAKE TIME. Relieve pressure. Dispel any guilt your child may have about financial strain on your family due to the cost of treatment or loss of tuition monies if school or program attendance needs to be disrupted.
SUMMARY Young people with eating disorders and their families may be confused, disappointed and discouraged by early setbacks or slow progress early in treatment. Parents and guardians need to be reassured this is not unusual. That is not to say that sometimes treatment isn't working and treators and/or a treatment modality need to be changed. However, if you see early treatment setbacks rest assure that better progress may be ahead with appropriate intervention and time.
Cris Haltom has a Ph.D. from Cornell University. She is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Ithaca, N. Y. Cris is an Approved Supervisor (#110) for the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals. She is available for training, presentations, and workshops. She has published articles, co-edited a text book, appeared on cable television, taught workshops, and taught academic courses as adjunct faculty at Cornell University and other colleges.
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