Eating Disorder Management

A severe and enduring eating disorder can be life threatening.

Safe treatment for eating disorders addresses all of the aspects of illness assisting people to meet their psychical, psychological, behavioral, nutritional, occupational and social needs. Treatment is provided by a multi-disciplinary team who work in partnership with the person, their family and other health and support providers, including treatment of co-morbid issues (National Framework, 2012).

It is recommended to consider SSCM for that support. SSCM is a combination of clinical management and supportive psychotherapy. See treatment option HERE.

SSCM combines clinical management like giving information, advice and encouragement with a supportive therapeutic style. The aim of the therapy is to help the individual make a link between their symptoms and their eating behaviour and weight, and to support them in a gradual return to normal eating and weight (NZ ED Clinic).

Aims Of SSCM Treatment

According to the Clinician Guideline – Managing Severe and Enduring Anorexia Nervosa (Touyz, Le Grange, Lacey & Hay, 2016), the SSCM three phase approach (page 114 of the guideline) for individual outpatient care include; collaborative patient-led stance, psychodynamic and psychoeducation, goal setting, symptom checklist, and ending the program phase. Notable SSCM modified goals approach for improved quality of life over weight, is a flexible approach, and promotes patient autonomy. For more information on the SSCM, see chapter seven of the Clinician Guideline – Managing Severe and Enduring Anorexia Nervosa (Touyz, Le Grange, Lacey & Hay, 2016).

More specifically, aims may include the following:

• Keeping people in services
• Self harm minimisation
• Manage neuro-cognitive complications
• Avoidance of further failure experience
• Increasing motivation levels and sense of future direction
• Managing co-morbidity
  (i.e. one or more additional disorders co-occurring with the primary disorder)
• Encourage engagement with life, relieve boredom and experience enjoyment

Through a positive therapeutic SSCM relationship with an ED professional or ‘coach’, the person with the eating disorder is more likely to stick a treatment plan.

The relationship can be seen as a collaborative partnership between the therapist and the person with the eating disorder, who is considered an expert in their own care.

Through this partnership, an exploration of practical steps is used to initiate change in daily life. This is done in an organised manner with manageable time-framed strategies towards agreed-to specific behavioural goals.

With this said, flexibility must be applied when needed.

The therapist provides a sense of hope, along with consistency, reassurance, encouragement, and patience. Ultimately, sessions aim to help individuals reach their fullest potential in life.