Eating disorders often last a long time, with ups and downs, periods of improvement, setbacks, and sometimes become long-term. However, several factors affect how long the eating disorders last, including onset, access to treatment, and definition of "recovery".
The sooner someone receives appropriate care from specialized therapy providers like Boston Neurobehavioral Associates, the better their chances of achieving lasting recovery.
Can Eating Disorders Be Lifelong?
Eating disorders can become lifelong conditions, but they don't have to be.
Research shows that people with eating disorders experience symptoms for many years or throughout their lives. However, this does not mean you will always see them dealing with crises. This means that they have learned the strategies to manage their eating disorder and continue with their routine life.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From an Eating Disorder?
Recovery from an eating disorder can take up to 1 to 7 years, and this path is not linear either.
- For anorexia nervosa, comprehensive recovery often takes 5-7 years.
- For bulimia nervosa, recovery timelines typically range from 3-6 years.
- For binge eating disorder, many people see progress within 1-3 years.
There is no single timeline that applies to everyone when it comes to treating the eating disorder. It can actually feel like a lifelong process for many people, even after major improvements.
What Factors Influence Eating Disorder Recovery Duration?
Multiple elements shape how long someone's recovery journey takes.
Age when symptoms begin plays a significant role: Adolescents and young adults often respond more quickly to treatment than those who develop eating disorders later in adulthood.
Duration before starting the treatment for an eating disorder: It is perhaps the most influential factor. The longer someone lives with untreated symptoms, the more deeply ingrained the disordered patterns become. This is why awareness of eating disorders is important.
Type and severity of the disorder: It also affects the recovery length. Restricting disorders like anorexia often require more time because the body needs months to physically heal while the mind learns to trust again.
What Happens if Eating Disorders Are Untreated?
If you leave an eating disorder untreated, it progressively worsens in both medical and psychological terms. The damaging mental patterns become so automatic that they feel impossible to escape.
Physical consequences escalate dangerously. Anorexia can lead to heart failure, severe bone loss (osteoporosis), kidney damage, and disruption of body systems. Depression deepens, anxiety becomes overwhelming, and many people develop additional psychiatric conditions when they suffer from eating disorders.
The trajectory doesn't have to continue downward. Even after years without treatment, recovery remains possible. It just typically requires more intensive intervention.
Can Someone Fully Recover From an Eating Disorder, or Is It Lifelong?
People suffering from eating disorders can achieve full recovery. However, what full recovery actually means varies among experts, but it generally includes:
- Normalized eating patterns without restriction or bingeing
- Stable weight maintenance at a healthy level for your body
- Not getting obsessive thoughts about food, weight, and body image
So, eating disorders are not lifelong if you get specialized treatment from professional therapists.
Signs That Someone Is Recovering From an Eating Disorder
Recovery from eating disorders looks different for everyone, but there are some common signs.
1. Food-Related Behaviors Start to Shift
Someone recovering begins eating more consistently, perhaps trying foods they'd previously avoided. Or they might accept spontaneous meal invitations or eat something unplanned without panicking.
2. Better Emotional Regulation
The person starts experimenting with healthier coping mechanisms instead of instantly jumping on starving or binge-eating. They might journal, reach out to friends, or go for walks.
3. They Don't Focus on Body Image That Much
Someone recovering might still have moments of body dissatisfaction, but can continue with their day rather than letting those thoughts disturb their peace.
4. Increased Social Engagement
They might start going to parties and hangouts, especially those involving food. The eating disorder no longer dictates their social calendar.
5. Conversations Shift From Appearance to Other Topics
Their interests broaden to hobbies, relationships, goals, and experiences beyond their disorder. They get in touch with the parts of themselves that the eating disorder had overshadowed.
Get Medical Treatment for Eating Disorders
If you're concerned about yourself or a loved one who's struggling, request an appointment with eating disorder specialists at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates. Our compassionate team of therapists provides personalized treatment plans, evidence-based therapies, and ongoing support for mental health disorders.