Inpatient Treatment for Eating Disorders

Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa (AN), binge eating disorder (BED), bulimia nervosa (BN), and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) are dangerous mental health conditions that require appropriate medical care.

While all eating disorders are serious, some cases are more severe than others. Several levels of care have been developed to help cater to people with varying symptom severity or those at different points in their recovery journey.

For those facing the most intensive eating disorder symptoms, inpatient treatment may be the most appropriate level of care.

What is Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment?

Inpatient eating disorder treatment is the highest level of care for treating eating disorders. There are several types of inpatient treatment, but they all involve patients staying or temporarily living at treatment facilities in order to have 24-hour access to medical treatment and monitoring.

In any case, inpatient care is generally reserved for the most severe eating disorder cases, when a person has very little control over their symptoms and needs mental and physical assistance with learning healthy eating habits and overcoming issues related to distorted body image.

Inpatient Hospitalization

Inpatient hospitalization is the most intensive form of inpatient care, typically reserved for patients who are considered medically unsafe to be at home.¹

Most patients who enter inpatient hospitalization are experiencing mental or physical health crises, such as:²

• Abnormal vital signs
• Signs of life-threatening health complications
• Organ failure
• Suicidal ideation or attempt
• Severe electrolyte disturbances

As its name suggests, this level of care usually takes place at a hospital or sometimes a specialized eating disorder facility. The primary goal of inpatient hospitalization is to return a patient to a state of medical stabilization, so stays are generally short-term.¹

The focus of an inpatient hospitalization stay is addressing symptoms that may be immediately life-threatening. Some AN patients may also undergo refeeding at this stage to help them achieve weight gain at a safe pace, as the process can be very dangerous early on.

Residential Treatment

Residential treatment is a form of inpatient care for patients who are considered medically stable. This means their lives are not in immediate danger, though nearly all patients at this level still require significant support for eating disorder recovery.

Residential treatment centers are focused on much longer-term goals, and stays at these facilities are likewise usually longer-term, with many patients staying a minimum of 30 days, but frequently even longer.¹

While working through these programs, patients will likely participate in a number of different types of treatment, including individual and group therapy sessions, nutritional counseling, meal monitoring, and regular medical check-ins. Some patients may also be prescribed medication and have additional appointments with a physician or psychiatrist to check on dosages and other related concerns.

Types of Care at Inpatient Treatment

Eating disorder treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Even when patients attend the same program, they nearly always follow a schedule designated by their specific medical history and needs.

During inpatient hospitalization, the immediate focus is on life-saving measures, so treatment may include refeeding and other procedures to stabilize vital signs and other important internal processes.

At a residential facility, patients generally have an individualized treatment plan. The program is usually developed by their treatment team, which can include a physician, dietitian, nutritionist, psychiatrist, therapist, and case manager, among other experts.³

Specific treatment modalities also vary by treatment center, but treatments for many common eating disorders include:^3,4

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Family-based therapy (FBT)
• Nutrition education and counseling
• Group therapy
• Medication
• Experiential therapy, such as yoga or art therapy

Who is Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Best for?

Inpatient eating disorder treatment is the most intensive form of eating disorder care. It’s generally recommended for those experiencing severe symptoms who have very little control over their disordered thoughts and behaviors.⁵

Inpatient hospitalization is nearly always reserved for patients undergoing a mental or physical health crisis who need medical stabilization.⁵ The overall goal is to tend to any immediate life-threatening issues.

Residential care is for patients who are medically stable but still have very little control over their disordered thoughts and behaviors.5 The goal of a residential program is not only to help a patient achieve a healthy body weight but to give them the mental health tools to overcome their disorder and achieve long-term recovery.

Inpatient Treatment vs. Partial Hospitalization

Inpatient treatment isn’t the only kind of intensive care for eating disorders. Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) also offer extensive support for those at the beginning of their recovery journey or patients who are still struggling to control their unhelpful thoughts and eating behaviors.

PHPs are sometimes called day programs, as they allow patients to live and sleep at home. This is the main difference between a PHP and a residential program. But a PHP treatment schedule can still be considerable, lasting as long as 10 hours a day, for 5 days a week, or sometimes more.¹

Throughout their time at a PHP, patients undergo many of the same types of treatment offered at residential facilities, including individual and group therapy, nutritional counseling, and regular medical check-ins. Patients will also usually eat at least one meal and several snacks throughout their day.⁶

In fact, sometimes patients who qualify for residential care are recommended to a PHP instead, as these programs are still intensive but are often less expensive and offer more flexibility for those with ongoing social or family obligations.¹

Eating Disorder Recovery with Inpatient Treatment

AN, BN, BED, ARFID, and other eating disorders are serious conditions and, when left untreated, can even be deadly. That’s why it’s imperative to seek out appropriate care.

Your primary care physician or therapist are great resources for information. These experts can help you obtain an official diagnosis, which is often needed to begin treatment at a residential facility, or point you in the direction of a reputable treatment program.

Once you enter treatment, it’s also important to have patience. Eating disorder recovery is often slow and difficult and rarely moves in a straight line. Inpatient treatment is a crucial first step: It may help you overcome unhelpful behaviors and the thoughts that drive them, but it’s important to keep continuing on the path toward wellness, even after leaving a treatment center.

If you’re worried that you or a loved one are struggling with unhealthy eating behaviors, distorted thoughts around body weight, shape, or size, or are experiencing health consequences from unhealthy weight loss or weight gain, it may be time to seek out treatment. It’s often the most frightening step in the recovery journey, but it’s one that can lead to a healthier and happier future.

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Updated September 26, 2024.

Reviewed by Danielle Kelvas, MD.