The Benefits of Eating Disorder Treatment During the Summer Months

When it comes to eating disorder treatment, when is the best time for someone to start? Most treatment teams believe that the sooner someone starts treatment, the better their treatment outcomes. A 2016 study supports this correlation: It found that a rapid response in diagnosis and treatment could predict better cognitive and behavioral outcomes, both at the end of treatment and at a follow-up point for people with eating disorders (1). Timing can be everything when it comes to eating disorder treatment, and that remains true during the summertime too.

There are many benefits, in fact, to young people getting eating disorder treatment during the summer months.

This season is one of vacation and relaxation, offering a much-needed break for many people. Having time off from school is an important part of young people’s education. It’s an opportunity for the pursuit of adventure and personal growth outside of the classroom, including sports, camp, or free time with family and friends. Without having class each day, young people can focus on other interests.

For some, summer is an opportunity to get full-time residential eating disorder treatment and support without having to miss school or sports. Patients don’t have the added academic stress of attending class and completing homework. They’re also temporarily removed from the social pressures of their classmates or their peer groups. The reduction of stress and pressure for young people makes summer an opportune time to work with an eating disorder treatment team.

It’s important that, when someone starts eating disorder treatment, they see it through. When a treatment program is fully completed, eating disorder treatment is most effective, and lasting recovery is most likely. A 2007 study showed that those who dropped out of eating disorder treatment had significantly longer durations of illness and did not enter recovery as quickly as those who completed treatment (2).

Often, eating disorder treatment programs that start during summer months extend into the school year, as they might take many weeks or months to complete. 

Despite the shift in the patient’s daily schedule, it’s fully possible — and unequivocally important— that treatment continues. Continuing this work when going back to school means having a support system in place to deal with distress in real time. By getting eating disorder treatment started in summer and continuing it into the school year, young people can build a strong foundation for their recovery and then continue to get support from their treatment team when the going gets tough.

When treatment ceases before the recovery period begins, it can lead to setbacks. These disappointments can be hugely challenging for a young person, especially if they spent time over summer working with their treatment team to overcome their eating disorder.

Ultimately, summer is a great time for residential eating disorder treatment. 

While any time is a good time to start eating disorder treatment, summer is a great time for a young person to start residential eating disorder treatment. With class out for the summer months and with many families leaving town for vacation during the summer, coming to Hidden River is an excellent way to kick-off eating disorder treatment and recovery.

Stay tuned next week for a post about how treatment at Hidden River continues through the school year, including a closer look at our school program! 

Visit our website to learn more about eating disorder treatment at Hidden River. For a closer look at our grounds and living quarters, take a look at our gallery.

References

1. Lindaron, J. et. al. (2016). Rapid response to eating disorder treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 49(10), 905-919.
2. Hoste, R.R. et. al. (2007). What can dropouts teach us about retention in eating disorder treatment studies? International Journal of Eating Disorders, 40(7), 668-671.