Anorexia nervosa is a potentially life-threatening illness, and should be treated as soon as possible. Sufferers should seek medical help, or be encouraged to do so. Treatment for anorexia depends on each individual, and the circumstances due to which the person has been affected. There is no one single treatment that has proven to be effective in all cases.
The aim of treatment is to:

• Restore the person to a healthy weight Restore healthy eating patterns
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• Treat any physical complications or associated mental health problems

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• Address thoughts, feelings and beliefs concerning food and body image

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• Enlist family support In some cases, medication is necessary, especially where there is depression or serious compulsive symptoms.

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• Treatment by the family doctor is possible, although sometimes a psychologist or psychiatrist, experienced in eating disorders may need to be consulted.

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• If the weight loss becomes serious (more than 20 - 25 percent less than total normal body weight), admission to hospital may be required. Treatments used include individual psychological therapy, family therapy and drug therapy with anti-depressants.