Approaches to the treatment of anorexia nervosa at the Kitasato University East Hospital

Abstract

The Kitasato University East Hospital is responsible for community psychiatric medical care as a general hospital with beds for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. We often provide medical care to patients with anorexia nervosa, particularly those with refractory anorexia nervosa accompanied by markedly low weight or resistance to treatment. Treatment programs with behavioral therapy are provided on an outpatient basis, and a strong framework for treatment, with behavioral restrictions, is used on an inpatient basis mainly in severe cases. We are able to counter patients' resistance to treatment with a creative framework for their treatment, and active intervention in the lives of the patients and their families. With such a strong framework, we can also start patients’ oral food intake at an early stage of treatment, and minimize the development of refeeding syndrome. For a wide range of approaches to the treatment of eating disorders, community medical cooperation is required. Therefore, our future goals are to further community network building, and to train as many healthcare providers for treatment as possible.