Anorexia nervosa is a serious, potentially life-threatening disorder and requires effective intervention as early as possible in order to minimize psychological, social, and physical repercussions. The younger the patient, the more pressing the need. Family therapy, parental counselling, and individual therapy all have their place and there may be a need for a period of in-patient treatment. Treatment is likely to be prolonged and intensive and early referral for specialist help is generally indicated.

Treatment may take place as an in-patient, a day patient, or an out-patient. As things stand, good research evidence is lacking on which to base treatment for anorexia nervosa. Recovery involves regaining a healthy weight and a pattern of eating to sustain it. There also needs to be a psychological change to address the specific psychopathology of the disorder. Thirdly, patients need to be able to get on with their life in a positive way once they have recovered to reduce the risk of relapse.