 |
|
|
Mental Health and Addictions
|
|
 |
|
|
- severe dietary restriction
- drastic weight loss
- refusal to maintain normal body weight
- intense fear of weight gain
- preoccupation with body, weight and shape
- distortion of body image
|
- binge eating large amounts of food in private
- purging to rid the body of unwanted calories
- preoccupation with body, weight and shape
|
- consuming large amounts of food in a limited period of time
- feeling out of control while eating
- feeling distressed with binge eating
|
The Eating Disorder Programs offers treatment to youth and adults with Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. Eating disorders are complex emotional and physical conditions which are caused and maintained by a combination of social, psychological, interpersonal and biological factors. Treatment in this program involves a two-track approach. The first is geared to the normalization of eating and stabilization of weight in order to eliminate the effects of starvation or chaotic eating patterns, as they can drastically alter personality. The second is focused on addressing the underlying issues that contribute to the onset and maintenance of the eating disorder.
| discuss your concerns with a professional such as a physician, a health nurse, a school counsellor/teacher, etc. |
| be compassionate and open in approaching the individual and try to do so in an informal manner |
| recognize that eating disorders are complicated serious conditions which most often require professional interventions. |
|
Initial referrals will be accepted from physicians, private practitioners and other health care providers. However, a physician's referral is a mandated requirement of the program.
Upon admission to our program, a client will undergo a comprehensive assessment to determine the severity, type, history and associated features of the eating pathology, and whether or not other mental health issues need to be addressed. The information gathered during the assessment includes a description of eating behaviour patterns and associated attitudes as they relate to weight, dieting, binge eating, purging and exercise. Our program utilizes a family-oriented approach to out patient treatment. Depending on the age of the client and the risks associated with their eating disorder the client's family can be expected to be involved in the assessment.
Information is also collected regarding:
- The course and history of eating pathology
- Substance abuse
- Medical, psychiatric and family history
- Life adjustment
|
- Social functioning
- Personal treatment goal
- Motivation for working towards recovery
|
Registered Dietitian (RD) |
If required, referrals are made to other agencies for drug and alcohol treatment, family therapy, psychiatric consultations or sexual abuse/ assault therapy.
Nutritional Counselling
A nutritional assessment and ongoing nutritional management is provided by a registered dietician to all clients registered in the program.
Psycho education/ Therapy Group
This group provides a basic education and understanding of eating disorders and explores related therapeutic issues, with the purpose of facilitating attitudinal and behavioural changes.
Family/ Friends Psycho education Group
This group is intended for family members, partner/ spouse, concerned relatives and close friends of an individual with an eating disorder. Participants must be 16 years of age or older. The group consists of six 1.5 hour meetings designed to provide valuable information on the nature of eating disorders and to offer suggestions on how to cope more effectively with behavioural and emotional issues that frequently arise. The group sessions are not intended to address individual concerns in detail.
Individual Therapy
Individual counselling sessions are offered to all clients in the program. Sessions focus on the underlying biological, social, psychological, developmental, interpersonal, familial and environmental issues that contribute to the onset and maintenance of the eating disorder.
In Patient Treatment
In patient treatment is available for youth who require hospital admission because of severe or rapid self-induced weight loss, lack of response to out patient treatment, significant medical complications and suicidal behaviour. Upon admission, a multidisciplinary team comprised of staff from Thunder Bay Regional Hospital and St Joseph's Care Group work together to meet the needs of the client.
Family Treatment
A family-oriented approach is characterized by the sequential use of varied treatment methods, such as education, parent consultation and family therapy. Our approach means that the team will always try to work in a constructive and flexible manner with families.
|
|
