Anorexia/Bulimia

Anorexia and bulimia are often the conditions most people think of when they hear the term “eating disorder.” While they may look different on the surface, they often share similar underlying patterns, and treatment approaches are closely aligned. In many cases, symptoms overlap enough that a single diagnostic label may not fully capture a person’s experience.

There is a common belief that eating disorders last a lifetime. However, many treatment professionals support full recovery—even in severe cases.

Recovery does not necessarily mean never having thoughts about food or body image again. Instead, it means no longer engaging in harmful behaviors. Over time, as recovery continues, these thoughts typically become less intense and less frequent.

At the start of treatment, this idea can feel unrealistic or even impossible. Many people struggle to imagine feeling more at peace with food and their bodies. However, with continued support and progress, that change does happen—and many clients reach a point where they can confidently say they never believed it was possible, but it was.

Adults, teenagers, and young adults with anorexia or bulimia often receive similar core treatment approaches. However, adolescents and young adults typically benefit most from Family-Based Treatment (FBT).

FBT involves family members as an active part of recovery, helping support healthy eating patterns at home and reducing the need for higher levels of care such as residential treatment. This approach has been shown to improve long-term outcomes for many young people.