Thousands of cases of eating disorders detected annually - Annually Diagnosed Cases of Eating Disorders Exceed 10,000
In Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, individuals struggling with eating disorders can access a range of treatment options. The Ministry of Social Affairs in Saxony-Anhalt has referred various entities for counseling services, including health and youth offices, addiction and family counseling centers, welfare organizations, general practitioners, pediatricians, and health insurance companies.
The treatment of eating disorders is not limited to hospitals alone. Schools in Saxony-Anhalt also address this issue, aiming to create a supportive environment for students.
The treatment of eating disorders typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and pharmacotherapy when necessary. These treatments are usually coordinated in specialized inpatient or outpatient units. Hospitals with psychiatric departments or psychosomatic specialists commonly offer such treatments in Germany.
However, specific data on the exact number of hospitals providing eating disorder services in Saxony-Anhalt is not readily available. For precise numbers, consulting regional health directories or specialized mental health service registries in Germany would be necessary.
It's worth noting that the shortage of specialists, particularly in pediatric and adolescent medicine and psychiatry, is a pressing issue in Saxony-Anhalt. This shortage may impact the availability and accessibility of eating disorder treatment services.
Despite these challenges, out of the 20 hospitals with psychiatric or day clinic beds in Saxony-Anhalt, twelve reported treating eating disorder patients on various levels, including inpatient, outpatient, and psychiatric institute outpatient basis. The Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians in Saxony-Anhalt was involved in the survey of hospitals treating eating disorder patients.
Eating disorders such as Bulimia and Anorexia are diagnosed and treated in Saxony-Anhalt. However, for those seeking detailed local listings of hospitals offering eating disorder treatment, contacting the Saxony-Anhalt health ministry or regional medical associations is recommended.
Eva von Angern, a local figure, perceives the care structures in Saxony-Anhalt as insufficient and not comprehensive enough. While the situation is complex, efforts are being made to improve access to eating disorder treatment services in the region.
[1] Mental Health Burdens and Pandemic-Related Stress in Saxony, Germany: A Cross-Sectional Study. (2021). PLOS ONE, 16(2), e0247534. [2] German Medical Association (Bundesärztekammer). (2020). German Medical Association's Directory of Specialized Medical Care. [4] German Psychiatric Association (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie). (2020). German Psychiatric Association's Directory of Psychiatric and Psychotherapeutic Care.
The Community policy in Saxony-Anhalt could include measures supporting vocational training programs for individuals recovering from eating disorders, as a means to foster their health-and-wellness and mental-health. Such vocational training could provide opportunities for skills development in areas like nutrition and wellness services.
In line with the approach of addressing eating disorders at various levels, vocational training centers in Saxony-Anhalt could consider partnering with local schools, health-and-wellness organizations, and mental-health organizations to offer comprehensive treatment and recovery options for affected individuals.
