(Question from external source) What is the main goal of treatment for eating disorders?

Choice A rationale:

Ignoring the client's beliefs to avoid escalating distress is not a therapeutic approach. Addressing cognitive distortions and irrational beliefs is crucial in helping the client reframe their thoughts and promote healthier behaviors.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging the client to engage in self-isolation is counterproductive. Isolation can worsen the client's condition and hinder their recovery.

Choice C rationale:

Addressing cognitive distortions and irrational beliefs is the appropriate therapeutic approach. This involves working with the client to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, helping them develop a more realistic perception of their body image and self-worth.

Choice D rationale:

Avoiding discussing body image to prevent embarrassment is not effective. Open and sensitive discussions about body image are important in the therapeutic process to help the client gain insight into their feelings and beliefs.

Choice A rationale:

Stabilizing the patient's physical condition. This is the correct choice. In the treatment of anorexia nervosa, it is crucial to address the medical complications that arise from severe malnutrition and weight loss. Refeeding and restoring the patient's nutritional status are top priorities to prevent further health deterioration. This often requires a structured refeeding plan and medical monitoring to ensure gradual weight gain and avoid refeeding syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when nutrients are reintroduced too rapidly.

Choice B rationale:

Addressing the psychological aspects of the disorder. Addressing the psychological aspects of anorexia nervosa is indeed an essential component of treatment, but it usually comes after stabilizing the patient's physical condition. The distorted body image, fear of weight gain, and other psychological factors need to be addressed in therapy and counseling during the recovery process. However, attempting to address these psychological aspects before stabilizing the patient's physical health can be challenging and less effective.

Choice C rationale:

Preventing relapse and maintaining recovery. Preventing relapse and maintaining recovery are important treatment goals in the long-term management of anorexia nervosa. However, these goals typically come into play once the patient's physical condition has been stabilized and nutritional rehabilitation has been initiated. Long-term therapy, support groups, and follow-up care are crucial to prevent relapse and maintain progress.

Choice D rationale:

Providing ongoing follow-up care. Providing ongoing follow-up care is indeed a necessary aspect of treating anorexia nervosa. After the initial stabilization and intensive treatment phase, ongoing monitoring, therapy, and medical follow-up are vital to support the patient's sustained recovery. However, just offering ongoing follow-up care without addressing the immediate medical needs and nutritional rehabilitation would not be sufficient in treating the acute phase of anorexia nervosa.