Written by: Jennilyn Harvey, LPC
Clinical Assessor, The Renfrew Center of Philadelphia
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that can have serious physical and emotional consequences if left untreated. Because symptoms often go unrecognized—or are actively hidden—it’s not always easy to know when or how to seek help. This blog explores how eating disorders are diagnosed and why early intervention is essential for recovery.
Common types of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, where individuals severely restrict food intake due to fear of gaining weight; bulimia nervosa, which involves binge eating followed by purging; and binge eating disorder, marked by consuming large quantities of food with loss of control.
Unfortunately, many people who struggle with eating disorders hesitate to seek help due to minimization, denial, shame, or concerns about stigma, sometimes viewing their behaviors as normal or going to great lengths to hide their symptoms. Family members, partners, and friends may not recognize that their loved one has an eating disorder, as symptoms can be subtle. It’s essential to remember that eating disorders are serious medical and psychiatric conditions and seeking help is a sign of strength. Recognizing the warning signs enables individuals to obtain a diagnosis as early as possible and start their recovery journey.
READ MORE: The Psychological Impact of an Eating Disorder
The Importance of Early Detection & Treatment
Without an accurate eating disorder diagnosis, finding the right approach becomes challenging, potentially delaying recovery or exacerbating the condition.
Eating disorders have severe physical and psychological consequences, making timely intervention essential. If you recognize the warning signs of an eating disorder, reaching out to a licensed mental health or medical provider who has experience and training in eating disorder assessment is an important first step. The earlier someone seeks help, the better the chance for recovery.
Early detection and intervention can prevent severe medical complications, address co-occurring psychological issues like suicidality, anxiety or depression, and provide the support and structure often needed for healing. Those who seek help early can start the process of developing a healthier relationship with food, body image, self, and others.
Taking the First Step: Scheduling an Assessment
Taking the first step to receive a diagnosis can stir up a range of emotions, which is completely normal. Reaching out takes courage, and you don’t have to do it alone. Having someone experienced and compassionate by your side can make a meaningful difference, especially in the early stages of assessment and diagnosis.
For example, the first step at Renfrew begins by connecting with a program information specialist who is trained to guide you through the intake process. During this initial conversation, they’ll gather some basic information – like your name, age, and location – discuss your needs, explore what you’re seeking support for, and review your insurance details to help ensure you’re making the most of your available resources.
Once that’s complete, they’ll schedule you for an assessment with one of our clinical assessors – master’s level clinicians who specialize in the assessment of eating disorders. Assessors are committed to understanding your needs so that they can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend a level of care that best aligns with your goals.
The Assessment Process
During an eating disorder assessment, clinical assessors ask you about any previous treatment you’ve received, including any current providers you’re working with—such as a therapist, dietitian, or psychiatrist. They will also assess your overall health and review your medical history, as eating disorders can significantly affect both the mind and the body. They will ask when the eating disorder symptoms first started, how they’ve evolved, and what may be contributing to them now. This includes exploring your relationship with food, movement, and body image. They will also ask about co-occurring mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or mood changes, as well as any relevant family history. Learning about your daily life – your interests, work or school background – helps an assessor see you as a whole person. Most importantly, they will discuss your goals for treatment, so they can support you in building an achievable path toward recovery.
The Diagnostic Process
The DSM-5 criteria are used to diagnose eating disorders based on the frequency and duration of symptoms such as extreme food restriction, excessive exercise, binge eating, and purging. These criteria also include psychological factors, such as body image distortion, body dissatisfaction, and/or an intense fear of gaining weight. In addition to the clinical interview, lab tests may be conducted to assess medical complications – such as nutritional deficiencies, anemia, or dehydration – that often result from eating disorder symptoms.
What Happens After a Diagnosis
The level of care that’s recommended and the treatment plan for an eating disorder varies based on the type and severity of the disorder, as well as the individual’s psychological and medical needs. Common interdisciplinary approaches include:
Individual Therapy: Therapists with expertise in eating disorders can explore emotional aspects and thought patterns that maintain eating disorder cycles. By using evidence-based modalities, therapists can help individuals cope with overwhelming emotional experiences and address underlying factors such as emotional avoidance, relationship concerns, distorted body image, and low self- esteem.
Nutrition Counseling: Registered dietitians specializing in eating disorders help individuals rebuild a healthier relationship with food. They assess nutritional status, address nutritional deficiencies, and increase variety, promoting trust in the body’s hunger and fullness cues.
Medical Monitoring: A primary care provider (PCP) or other experienced medical provider can play a vital role in eating disorder treatment by monitoring physical health throughout the recovery process. They monitor for complications such as orthostasis, electrolyte imbalances, and heart irregularities, ensuring medical stability and supporting continued physical progress.
Medication Management: A psychiatrist who specializes in eating disorders can evaluate the need for psychiatric medication to address co-occurring psychiatric symptoms. They monitor how those medications may be affected by nutritional status. Working closely with the treatment team, a psychiatrist helps ensure that both emotional and biological aspects of recovery are supported.
Levels of Care
After your assessment, the clinical assessor will have a clearer understanding of your needs and will recommend the level of care that best supports your recovery. This recommendation is based on the severity of your symptoms – both medical and psychological –and is made with your safety and well-being in mind. The assessor will also explain the rationale behind the decision, so you feel informed and supported.
Depending on your needs, this may include a recommendation to an inpatient program (IP). This level of care is usually offered in a hospital setting with the goal of achieving medical stabilization. A residential treatment program (RES) offers 24/7 structure and support while patients live on campus with a community of peers. A partial hospitalization program (PHP/“day treatment”) provides intensive support five days a week. Patients in PHP live at home and attend group therapy and individual sessions with their treatment team during program hours.
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) typically offers the same structured care and support for three days or three nights per week. Each option is designed to meet you where you are and help you take meaningful steps toward healing both physically and mentally.
After discharging from higher levels of care, ongoing support, connection, and follow-up appointments are crucial for sustaining recovery in outpatient (OP) settings.
Recovery is often a long process, so regular sessions and check-ins help monitor progress, adjust treatment plans, and address new challenges. Support from therapists, dietitians, and support groups can reinforce healthy behaviors, encourage accountability, and foster a positive relationship with food and body image.
READ MORE: Virtual IOP Treatment for Eating Disorders: Things to Expect
Conclusion
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder and is able to access care, seeking a timely diagnosis and the right level of support can prevent long-term complications and begin the healing process. Recovery is achievable for many with specialized support and harnessing the courage to ask for that support is a sign of strength. Licensed mental health providers who specialize in eating disorders can offer guidance, provide a proper diagnosis, recommend the appropriate level of care, and co-create a personalized treatment plan with you. They can also connect you with a multi-disciplinary team to support you in your recovery.
With dedicated support and a comprehensive treatment plan from Renfrew, individuals can regain a healthy relationship with food, body image, and themselves. There is hope for a brighter future. Contact us today to get started.
If you, a loved one, or a patient is experiencing an eating disorder, help is available. Contact The Renfrew Center’s team by phone at 1-(800) 736-3739 or complete our online form.
