Eating Disorders awareness week in Canada is the first week in February.  In the U.S. it is the last week of February. The Internet has helped increase awareness of eating disorders and their treatment. Among the excellent Websites for eating disorders are sites which are created by people with these disorders. Some of these sites were highlighted in a previous article.

The usual disclaimer regarding "online therapy" applies here. The Internet is not quite ready for the diagnosis and treatment of disorders online, in my opinion. This won't stop some from trying, but please be aware of the limitations.

Eating disorders can be fatal. This is one reason that it is essential to get face-to-face treatment. Someone with anorexia can die of malnutrition or of heart problems. Persons with bulimia sometimes stop breathing while inducing vomiting. Their electrolyte levels can also become badly imbalanced.

Not all eating disorders are created equal. While long-term therapy may be needed for anorexia nervosa and severe bulimia, some bulimics and compulsive eaters benefit greatly from short-term therapy. Bulimia can become a fad among female college students, for example. If face-to-face treatment is started quickly, it need not develop into a severe problem.  Many college counseling centers are experienced in such treatment.

Jeanne Rust is a pioneer who actually attempts to treat these disorders online. Her program is called Eating Disorder Recovery Online.  Visit the site for free information, or participate in her 16 week treatment program for $650.  Rust does not attempt to do everything online.  Weekly telephone consultations are included as part of the program.  A workbook is used, and there is a weekly private online support group.  The program appears to be professionally conducted, and it is a bargain compared to inpatient or residential treatment.  Be very careful here, however.  Careful coordination with a physician is crucial in the treatment of many eating disorders.  This component is missing, and the program includes no face-to-face contact of any sort.

If you are already in treatment or contemplating treatment you should visit Joanna Poppink's Triumphant Journey resources at Self Help & Psychology Online.  She uses a different approach by providing a series of educational and self-help lessons for persons with these disorders. Her materials would be an excellent complement to face-to-face therapy.

Face-to-face work will almost always be needed for these disorders.  Something Fishy's Eating Disorders Site has a list of face-to-face referrals throughout the world. This is a good place to start in looking for resources in your community.