Eating disorders are hard to treat. Firstly, they are caused by a composite of contributory factors which make it hard to treat because there is not a systematized form of treatment applicable to all situations. For example, whereas 2 individuals may be suffering from a particular disorder, the treatment provided will be based on triggers for the disorder which could vary from one individual to another.
The more the contributory factors, the more complex it is to treat the disorder. To illustrate, an individual suffering from an eating disorder who may have possible multiple triggers i.e. poor self-image, influence by societal pressure and is a perfectionist, may necessitate a more complex treatment approach than one who is let’s say only a perfectionist. This is because each of the habits that trigger the disorder will have to be addressed independently, unless of course they are somehow related.
Moreover, eating disorders are basically triggered by emotional issues and psychological ones, meaning a shift of mindset has to be established. The patient must first be aware of their unhealthy eating practises (restrictive dieting, usage of laxatives or diet pills, fasting, extreme exercising) to recognize the magnitude of the condition. These individuals are already accustomed to practising those unhealthy dietary habits so shifting their mindset is a complex task. Mind you, changing one’s habits about anything can be quite challenging.
Certain disorders particularly anorexia are hard to treat because the person considered sick -the anorexic individual does not perceive himself or herself to be sick and may not think there is anything wrong with them. Even more surprising, several bulimic and anorexic individuals, especially the teenagers, may not actually want to receive treatment because they feel as though receiving treatment will require that they alter their eating practises which could impede with their goals of achieving that “ideal” body image. In other words, they think that they will be unable to achieve or maintain that appearance or body size they desire if they receive treatment.
Other eating disorders such as binge-eating disorder are hard to treat because apart from addressing the mental aspects, other treatment approaches have to be incorporated i.e. a weight loss strategy, particularly for obese persons. As such, the treatment focuses on different aspects making it hard to treat.
Eating disorders are hard to treat because they are caused by multiple complex factors mostly psychological, which require a change in habits. Persons suffering from eating disorders may also not be willing to access treatment as they do not think anything is wrong with them. Treating eating disorders is also hard because it could involve addressing varied underlying factors.