Anorexia Nervosa Behavioral Specialists in Gaithersburg, Maryland

Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental health condition involving a severe disturbance in eating patterns. Such restrictive behavior leads to a reduction of body weight below what is deemed healthy for the individual’s age and height. The condition is marked by food refusal, food rules, rigid eating behaviors, and a persistent fear of gaining weight. Many people who suffer with this disorder are unable to objectively understand how much weight they are losing and may have difficulty acknowledging that they are underweight. Therefore, it is important that treatment is pursued, as anorexia and other eating disorders are associated with serious medical complications and have the highest mortality rate of all psychiatric illnesses.

Anorexia nervosa requires specialized and knowledgeable care, usually by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals. This collaborative approach means that treatment may be provided by behavioral specialists, dieticians, primary care physicians, and psychiatrists. In therapy, individuals who struggle with anorexia nervosa might focus on understanding where the beliefs that drive disordered eating behaviors come from, while also learning new coping skills and self-soothing strategies to gradually replace them. Although behavioral specialists might differ in their approach, a modified form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most efficacious and commonly used modalities.

Below are behavioral specialists in Gaithersburg who specialize in anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders. Behavioral specialists have been vetted by the Zencare team for clinically rigorous, quality care. Visit their profiles to watch an introductory video and book a free initial call to find a good fit.