© 2005 National Eating Disorders Association. Permission is granted to copy and reprint materials for
educational purposes only. National Eating Disorders Association must be cited and web address listed.
www.NationalEatingDisorders.org Information and Referral Helpline: 800.931.2237
Eating Disorders Survival Guide: Page 1 of 9
Updated 12_21_2008
HOW TO AFFORD APPROPRIATE TREATMENT FOR AN EATING DISORDER:
A GUIDE FOR PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Assessment of the Problem
The first, most important step in preparing to get treatment for an eating disorder is to obtain a complete assessment so
that the eating disorder and any associated mental or physical problems can be appropriately diagnosed. The assessment
should be by a health care professional knowledgeable about eating disorders. A list of professionals who have received
training in and have experience with eating disorders can be obtained through the Academy for Eating Disorders
www.aedweb.org . Referrals for across the nation can be obtained by calling NEDA’s Information and Referral
Helpline at 800-931-2237 or from NEDA’s website www.NationalEatingDisorders.org under the Treatment
Referrals section.
Usually, the health care professional who provides the initial assessment will be able to diagnose the eating disorder. A
complete assessment will include a medical evaluation to rule out any other physical cause for the symptoms, to assess the
impact the illness has had to date, and to determine whether immediate medical intervention is needed. Often, physical
problems are associated with an eating disorder and a psychiatrist, internist, family practitioner or pediatrician may need
to be seen if these problems are suspected. The most common physical consequences of eating disorders include
osteoporosis (thinning of the bones), heart problems (especially irregular heart rhythms from electrolyte imbalance),
kidney problems (resulting from repeated dehydration from starvation or purge behavior), and brain abn