Treatment Approach:
At Inspire Center for the Treatment of Eating Disorders we employ the Maudsley approach when treating eating disorders. The Maudsley method is the only therapeutic approach which has been proven effective time and time again in clinical trials for the treatment of eating disorders (including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder).
From the onset of treatment, the Maudsley approach targets the dysfunctional behaviors associated with eating disorders. However, at the same time, it is situated within a nonjudgmental framework in which the person is viewed as separate from the disorder. This serves to reduce the shame and guilt involved with the often secretive and/or embarrassing behaviors which may result from the eating disorders. Once there is less shame and guilt involved, dealing with the disorder becomes much easier.
In addition to a team approach involving counselors, psychologists, nurses, medical doctors, nutritionists and other support staff, the Maudsley method encourages the active involvement of family. Families are taught a zero-tolerance policy to discourage the self-destructive behaviors involved in people with eating disorders. Eating disorders must be taken seriously, since they can, in fact, be deadly.
The Maudsley approach involves three phases. Phase I is more directive where food in viewed as the medicine which the client must take. As the client shows more acceptance for developing healthy eating patterns, the client moves into Phase II and begins to take more responsibility for his or her health. Once a healthy weight has been established, the client is ready for phase III. Phase III involves helping the client to develop a healthy identity and preparing for future challenges which may arise and disrupt his or her recovery.
Anorexia: Anorexia is an excessive fear of gaining weight even when the person is considered underweight. This fear drives the person with anorexia to begin to reduce their food intake. It may start out slowly, but eventually people with anorexia may consume almost no calories per day, such as only one apple or a piece of bread per day. This results in severe weight loss and multiple health problems. If not treated, anorexia is can be fatal. The best results occur when a person with anorexia enters into treatment before excessive weight loss has occurred. Long-term prognosis is much better in such cases. If not treated in time, anorexia tends to worsen and rarely gets better without treatment.
The Maudsley method is an ideal treatment method for those with anorexia. It addresses all areas that contribute to anorexia. This includes medical aspects, psychological, and family. We use a team of professionals, which includes medical doctors, nurses, nutritionists, psychologists, and counselors to address all of these areas. Anorexia is a complex disorder and difficult to treat. Therefore, a team of professionals is essential to ensure the best outcomes. In addition to a team of professional, Inspire Center employs a food catering service which ensures that all clients are provided healthy meals which have been tailored to each client individually. This means that each client receives the appropriate amount of calories for his or her body each day. All meals are monitored to encourage clients with anorexia to finish each meal daily.
Anorexia affects females more often than males. Those with anorexia are often overachievers and intelligent who are very high functioning in other areas of their lives. It usually develops in teens, and can be a lifelong illness if not addressed.
What is Orthorexia?
Although Orthorexia has not yet been recognized as an eating disorder in the DSM-5, there is growing research on the subject. Orthorexia occurs when a person is obsessed with eating only certain foods, such as only uncooked foods or an all fruit diet, for example. People often state they do this out of concern to stay healthy, but it may turn into an unhealthy lifestyle. For example, they may become malnourished and underweight. There seems to be some overlap between Orthorexia and Anoerexia. Treatment with Orthorexia will follow the same protocol as treatment for those with Anorexia. This includes the Maudsley Method which is described above.
Bulimia Nervosa: Often referred simply referred to as Bulimia also involves a preoccupation with gaining weight and is potentially life threatening, as well. People with Bulimia binge or overeat then purge the food by vomiting and/or using laxatives. Some people may use crash dieting techniques or exercise excessively instead of purging. People with Bulimia tend to experience a lot of anxiety after a binge, because they fear gaining. In attempt to reduce the anxiety, they will purge. People with Bulimia often appear to be normal. That is, they are not usually extremely thin like people with anorexia. Nevertheless, are many adverse health consequences that result from Bulimia Nervosa.
The Maudsley approach is as very useful treatment method for those with Bulimia. As with treating anorexia, it addresses all aspects that affect people with eating disorders–psychological, physical health, and familial issues. Likewise, those with Bulimia are supervised during mealtime, as well as after finishing meals. People with Bulimia are not allowed to isolate themselves after mealtimes, since this is when they are most at to engage in purging. Likewise those with Bulimia are discouraged from excessive exercise as part of their treatment program.
Eating Disorders and Exercise Addiction
People with eating disorders often over exercise in order to lose weight. People with anorexia may exercise hours a day to lose even more, despite consuming a very low caloric diet. People with bulimia nervosa may exercise excessively after binge eating, so that they do not gain any weight as a result of their binge. Therefore, people with Bulimia and Anorexia are not allowed to engage in excessive exercise while in treatment at Inspire Center. However, some light exercise may be allowed, such as a short walk or yoga.
Binge Eating Disorder: This disorder resembles food addiction. People with this disorder consume large amounts of food, compulsively, and feel unable to stop or limit their caloric intake. People with this disorder are typically overweight. They may use food to cope with feelings of anxiety or depression, as eating often gives them a sense or euphoria. Regarding treatment with client with Binge Eating Disorder, client are given the appropriate amount of food to eat for their size. They are monitored to ensure that they do not sneak food into the treatment center to engage in Binge Eating. People with Binge Eating Disorder often crave simple carbohydrates and sugars, such as breads, muffins, pastries. These foods can be very addictive. Therefore, these foods are not allowed to be consumed while in treatment. Furthermore, those with Binge Eating Disorder are often overweight and are, therefore, encouraged to exercise daily to get back to a healthy weight.
Overweight and Obesity Treatments
For people who are overweight, psychological reasons for overeating will be addressed and they will be put on a diet which has the proper amount of calories. In addition, people who are overweight will exercise daily with a personal trainer in order to learn how to develop a healthy lifestyle. During the treatment process our team of counselors and psychologists will there to support you to achieve your goals. People will never be made to feel guilty or ashamed. Our goals is to help you achieve the best you and feel comfortable with who you are.
Treatment Strategies
Our treatment employs the Maudsley method. In addition to this method, we work as a team (counselors, psychologists, nutritionists, medical doctors, and support staff) to address all areas which may be causing the eating disorder. Research has found that the team approach is the most effective in treating eating disorders.
Why choose us?
We employ some of the most qualified professionals in the region. Our staff has many years of experience and is highly trained in providing treatment for eating disorders with specific emphasis on the Maudsley method. We are the only inpatient center in Southeast Asia dedicated to providing treatment for eating disorders.
