Services and Programs

Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders Program

Evaluation and Treatment

Did You Know? Strong professionals work closely with colleagues at Unity Behavioral Health in Rochester, who provide care when an intensive, partial psychiatric hospitalization is needed.

Upon entering the program, each person is evaluated to determine the type of eating disorder, how far the eating disorder has gone, and potential psychological factors involved in the behavior. Physical health forms the foundation for the treatment of the underlying emotional conflicts that often occur in these disorders. Thus, total health is the ultimate goal for all of our patients. Each patient meets with a nutritionist, who works with them to determine their nutritional needs, prescribes a healthy diet, and continues to help the patient learn to make healthy food choices. Key aspects of health—such as weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, moods and individual / family reactions to multiple stressors are monitored regularly.

Psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers provide emotional therapy, helping patients and family members realize the origins of the eating disorder, resolve resulting conflicts, and gain confidence in their own abilities to resolve conflicts. Guilt and blame are minimized as each person involved in therapy contributes to recovery.

At Strong, young people receive a full health evaluation that includes:

• A detailed medical history and specific laboratory tests targeted to provide a full diagnostic picture
• Determination of coping styles and mood states
• In-depth evaluation of nutritional intake and requirements
• Assessment of social and family strengths and any areas of special sensitivity or vulnerability

Hospitalization

Whenever possible, we emphasize outpatient treatment, believing it is the best path to total health. In some situations, the person's medical needs may require hospitalization. If a teen's eating disorder has evolved into severe malnutrition, chemical or fluid imbalances, an inability to control vomiting, or medically instability, hospitalization is needed.

Patients are admitted to the Adolescent Medicine Unit on the 4th floor of Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong, and are treated among other adolescents who are in the hospital for a variety of medical and surgical conditions. This environment fosters normal social interactions with peers. Doctors and nurses not only respond to the patient's immediate medical needs (such as malnutrition), but also counsel the patient on healthy eating and proper weight, and work to put the young person on the path to total health. Patients also participate in group therapy three times weekly. Family meetings occur regularly.

Tutors help students continue with their studies during a time of hospitalization, and leisure and recreational activities are under the supervision of a trained teen life specialist.

A Psychiatrist from Child Adolescent Behavioral Heath access problems as depression or anxiety disorders and assist in treatment recommendations.