Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa: Finding the Right Treatment in Singapore
Anorexia nervosa is a complex mental health condition that can affect both physical health and emotional wellbeing.
If you or someone close to you is navigating anorexia, it’s important to know that recovery is possible with effective interventions.
In this guide, we explore the therapy options for anorexia nervosa in Singapore, what treatment might look like, and how you can begin seeking support.
Understanding Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa often involves restrictive eating, compulsive exercise, and an intense fear of gaining weight. Difficulties with body image and emotional regulation can also play a significant role.
Anorexia Nervosa is a complex and deadly disorder. It currently claims the most number of lives of all psychiatric disorders (Auger et al., 2021). Early intervention for people suffering from Anorexia has been shown to improve their likelihood of recovery (Fukutomi et al., 2015). Without timely treatment, anorexia can lead to serious medical complications, including cardiovascular issues, bone density loss, and severe malnutrition.
Is Therapy Helpful for Anorexia Nervosa?
Unlike depression or anxiety, where there is specific medication that might be helpful, there is no conclusive evidence suggesting strong support for pharmacology treatments for eating disorders (Vos et al. 2014; Zipfel et al., 2015).
Anorexia Nervosa treatments are largely psychological and nutritional (Zipfel et al., 2015). For adolescents, the evidence consistently suggests that ED-focused family therapy is more effective than individual therapy (Brockmeyer et al., 2018; Zipfel et al., 2015). While there is no leading psychotherapeutic treatment for adults suffering from Anorexia Nervosa, the existing psychological therapies have shown significant improvements in body weight, reductions in AN symptoms, and distress levels (Solmi et al., 2021).
Therapies for Anorexia Nervosa: What Are the Options?
Family-Based Therapy (FBT)
Family-Based Therapy is the first-line treatment for adolescents and children struggling with Anorexia Nervosa. It is an outpatient therapy with three phases.
Parents take responsibility for restoring the adolescent’s physical health through meal planning. As the adolescent has difficulties making healthy decisions about their food, parents are temporarily given responsibility for deciding what, how much, and when food is eaten. The goal of FBT is to allow the client to recover in their regular environment. This continues until there is steady weight gain.
Gradual transition of responsibility back to the adolescent. Parents might oversee meals and add portions for the adolescent where necessary.
Family reviews progress and prepares for future challenges.
Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-E)
Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a structured therapy designed for eating disorders. It has 4 stages and includes 20-40 weekly sessions.
Stage 1: Develop an understanding of the eating problem and stabilising the pattern of eating
Stage 2: Review progress and made plans for treatment
Stage 3: Address thoughts and behaviours that maintain disordered eating
Stage 4: Address maintaining change, and relapse prevention.
Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM)
SSCM combines clinical management for eating disorders with a supportive therapeutic approach. Clients typically receive 30 weekly individual therapy sessions and 4 monthly follow-up sessions for clients with BMI under 15. Core components include:
Psychoeducation
Assessment and review of symptoms
Setting therapy goals (e.g., weight range)
Providing nutritional education
Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA)
MANTRA is a flexible, modular therapy that is tailored to meet each client’s needs and stage of readiness. It targets four underlying factors of eating disorders:
Rigid thinking and perfectionism
Socio-emotional functioning difficulties
Positiive beliefs about Anorexia Nervosa
Response of close others (e.g., over-involvement and criticism).
Where to Seek Support for Anorexia Nervosa in Singapore
Seeking professional support is an important step. Hospitals with specialised eating disorder units often offer comprehensive care, including SSCM and outpatient services.
Hospitals treatment is recommended if the person
Has a BMI is below 16
Is experiencing medical complications (e.g., dizziness, difficulties walking)
Is suicidal or actively self-harming
If the person struggling with Anorexia Nervosa is medically stable and/or has medical support, outpatient therapy with an experienced and trained therapist can be very helpful. When choosing a therapist, it is important to ask about their training and experience with eating disorders. This can be discussed in an initial consultation.
At Ardelle Psychology, we provide in-person (Singapore) and virtual therapy (global) for eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa. We offer a free consultation to explore what support might be helpful for you.
If you or someone you care about is facing anorexia nervosa, know that help is available. You don’t need a diagnosis to start seeking support. Reaching out to a mental health professional is an important first step.
If you’re looking for treatment for Anorexia Nervosa in Singapore, we have curated a free brief guide to Eating Disorders that includes a list of local treatment providers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anorexia Nervosa Treatment
What is the best therapy for anorexia nervosa?
There is no single "best" therapy. Treatment is tailored to each individual, often combining nutritional support with psychological therapies such as CBT-E, FBT, or MANTRA.
Can anorexia be treated without hospitalisation?
Many people benefit from outpatient therapy, especially when medically stable. In some cases, hospitalisation may still be needed.
Is recovery possible?
Yes. With the right support and treatment, many individuals do recover.