Occupational therapists can provide a valuable service to individuals struggling with eating disorders. When someone is struggling with an eating disorder, their participation in meaningful everyday activities often begins to diminish, while the eating disorder becomes the primary focus of their day. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, eating disorders can impact individuals of all ages, sex, races, genders, ethnicities, and socioeconomic groups. There are many different types of eating disorders, and as a result, a variety of ways in which the disorder can impact daily living. Whether stemming from a preoccupation with body image, a loss of control while eating, or avoidance of food based on sensory processing difficulties, the disorder can have a significant impact on one’s ability to complete everyday tasks. Participation in meaningful occupations such as socializing with friends and family members, engaging in school or work, and participating in hobbies or leisure activities is often negatively impacted. Occupational therapists strive to help individuals with eating disorders re-establish participation in meaningful life roles and return to leading a healthy balanced life.
Occupational therapy practitioners ask, "What matters to you?" not, "What's the matter with you?” (AOTA, 2017)
In occupational therapy, individuals are encouraged to reflect on what they truly value outside of the eating disorder, and are supported in re-engaging in these activities. Intervention is client-driven and can span across a wide range of domains. From helping a client find strategies to improve participation in social situations where food may be involved, to supporting them in implementing anxiety management techniques during completion of daily tasks such as grocery shopping, the occupational therapist and client work together to set goals and prioritize areas of need. The occupational therapy motto of helping individuals “Live Life to the Fullest” holds true in this setting - the goal is to facilitate return to the daily occupations that matter most, and help individuals develop a life worth living outside of their eating disorder.