Eating disorders need to be taken seriously. The cost of not addressing an eating disorder can be extreme, increasing as it's allowed to conitinue, and the disorder can ultimately lead to death.

The likelihood of recovery from an eating disorder is best under the following conditions:

• treatment begins early
  
• active involvement from family
  
• return to normal weight status, and healthy medical status

Inpatient treatment for eating disorders is managed aggressively. Following inpatient treatment, patients must continue with outpatient therapy, nutritional supervision and stress-management.

Patients often achieve recovery and stability through increased self-acceptance, self-esteem and confidence coupled with a wider range of coping skills to use in response to stressful or emotional situations.

Other keys to improving overall quality of life and preventing relapse include repairing distorted body image, improving self-perception, and embracing mental health and medical stability.

For each patient with support and hope, recovery is possible.