Questions & Answers about treatment

If you know or suspect that you or someone close to you has an eating disorder/obesity, you should seek support from a Psychologist, Dietitian, Exercise Specialist, Psychiatrist, etc. with certified specialisation in eating disorders/obesity from an accredited body.

At the following  link you will find the certified health professionals of KEADD, the exclusive partner of the National Centre for Eating Disorders (UK) (NCFED), accredited by the British Psychological Society – BPS.

We recommend that you ask health professionals for proof of their knowledge and specialisation (degree certificate.

During the first session, the specialised health professional will take a detailed history of your health, your eating behaviour and the habits related to the eating disorder/obesity.

You will complete questionnaires that serve as diagnostic tools and will discuss in depth the issues that concern you regarding your eating behaviour.

Depending on whether the professional is a Dietitian or a Psychologist, they will also proceed to a deeper stage of the diagnostic session. 

At the end, the professional will explain the proposed treatment plan, which is fully tailored to your needs, and will refer you to the appropriate specialists for further collaboration (e.g. an Exercise Specialist and a Psychologist – if you first saw a Dietitian, etc.).

The specialised Dietitian is an essential member of the treatment team.

Although eating disorders are mental illnesses, the undernourishment and problematic eating behaviours involved make it essential to involve a Dietitian who oversees nutritional rehabilitation, without which recovery cannot be achieved.

Similarly, in the treatment of obesity, issues of malnutrition and managing everyday eating require the active involvement of a specialised Dietitian who will help the patient and their family regain healthy control over eating.

Read more here about the role of the dietitian in managing eating disorders/obesity (link).

The specialised Dietitian cannot take on eating disorder cases alone, as psychotherapy is required.

Although it does not particularly matter whether the client first contacts a Psychotherapist or a Nutritionist,

Similarly, in cases of obesity, the patient – and their family, where involved – are cared for holistically; restrictive dieting is abandoned and proper nourishment is encouraged.

You should definitely see a Psychotherapist specialised in eating disorders, as these disorders are mental illnesses and require timely psychotherapeutic treatment.

Similarly, in cases of obesity it is now known that the patient – and their family, where involved – benefit from a holistic approach that involves strengthening skills in managing stress and problem-solving, as well as adopting new mindfulness habits.

At the following link see how the certified KEADD Psychologist works.

Treatment is tailored to the needs of each patient and to supporting their carers or family.

The KEADD Psychologist works closely with a specialised Dietitian and an Exercise Specialist, so that two central issues in eating disorders and obesity – nutrition and over-exercise or lack of exercise – are addressed scientifically and effectively and contribute to the holistic care of the patient.

The specialised health professionals trained by KEADD work together to manage cases of eating disorders/obesity, as it has been proven that only multidisciplinary collaboration can lead directly to recovery.

KEADD therapists attend regular supervision so that they can manage even the most difficult cases, with the support of trainers and more experienced professionals.

The duration of treatment for eating disorders cannot be predicted, as each client's case is different and the treatment plan is fully individualised.

The most serious symptoms of the eating disorder may be addressed within a few weeks, but psychotherapy, as well as nutritional rehabilitation, may last up to several years.

The earlier treatment begins, the more likely the person is to recover quickly.

Obesity treatment needs to be designed around the logic of gradual improvement, which leads to weight change in a careful and scientific way.

Gradual – rather than drastic or sudden – changes in eating have been confirmed to have excellent health benefits for the individual, who at the same time is led towards an overall improvement in their quality of life.

When a child or adolescent has an eating disorder, collaboration is required both with the family and between health professionals (Paediatrician, Dietitian, Child Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Children's Exercise Specialist).

The child's or adolescent's family is part of our treatment team. The child has the opportunity to have individual sessions with the Dietitian and the Psychologist, while at the same time the parents are trained by the Dietitian in managing eating within the family and by the Psychologist in managing emotional situations.

As we say at KEADD, our job is “to help parents help their children get well”

Similarly, in treating childhood obesity, KEADD's certified health professionals work together primarily to support the family, so that it can properly care for the child with weight issues.

The goal of the treatment team is always better health and an improved everyday life for the whole family.

As health professionals specialised through KEADD, we know well that people with eating disorders, especially adolescents, often deny the seriousness of the disorder and resist treatment.

But this should not discourage parents from seeking help. Treatment is possible even if the patient does not regularly visit the Dietitian's and Psychologist's office.

In these cases, the patient's family is supported and trained by the specialists in how to deal with the “voice” and the behaviours of the eating disorder.

The patient's recovery starts at home, and family support for the child is strengthened.

With the parallel improvement in nutritional status and better brain function, the child becomes more willing to take an active part in both individual and family therapy.

Similarly, in obesity treatment we consider supporting and counselling parents a cornerstone, so that the overall nutritional and psychological picture within the family improves. Within this strengthened family environment, the child starts eating better and adopting mindfulness behaviours and healthy balance.