Eating Disorder Psychiatric Treatment
Psychiatric evaluation and medication management for eating disorders
What Is Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by persistent disturbances in eating behavior and related distress or impairment. DSM-5 eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and others.
Signs & Symptoms
- Restriction of food intake below body's needs (anorexia)
- Recurrent episodes of binge eating
- Compensatory behaviors: purging, excessive exercise, laxatives (bulimia)
- Intense fear of weight gain
- Distorted body image
- Significant weight changes
- Medical complications (electrolyte imbalances, cardiac arrhythmias)
- Preoccupation with food, weight, and body shape
Treatment Approaches
Eating disorder treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach. Dr. Agresti provides the psychiatric component — medication management (SSRIs for bulimia and BED, olanzapine for anorexia), monitoring for medical complications, and coordination with dietitians and specialized therapists. Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality of any psychiatric condition and requires close monitoring.
Why Concierge Psychiatry?
With Dr. Agresti's concierge model, you get his direct cell number, same-day prescription refills, and 24-hour appointment availability — with no membership fee. Experience the difference that direct-access care makes.
Learn About Concierge CareFrequently Asked Questions
A psychiatrist manages the medication component of eating disorder treatment, monitors for dangerous medical complications like electrolyte imbalances and cardiac arrhythmias, and treats co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, and OCD that frequently accompany eating disorders. Dr. Agresti coordinates with dietitians and specialized therapists for comprehensive multidisciplinary care.
Yes, several medications are effective. Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is FDA-approved specifically for binge eating disorder. SSRIs, particularly at higher doses, can reduce binge frequency. Topiramate has also shown efficacy. Dr. Agresti's experience with complex psychopharmacology allows him to select and combine medications tailored to each patient's presentation.
Absolutely. While eating disorders are more commonly diagnosed in young women, an estimated 10-25% of cases occur in males, and onset can happen at any age. Eating disorders in men and older adults are frequently underdiagnosed because clinicians may not screen for them. A thorough psychiatric evaluation considers eating pathology regardless of age or gender.
Eating disorders share neurobiological pathways with anxiety and mood disorders, particularly involving serotonin and dopamine systems. Up to 70% of people with anorexia or bulimia also meet criteria for an anxiety disorder, and major depression is common. Effective treatment must address all co-occurring conditions simultaneously rather than treating them in isolation.
Eating disorders can involve medical emergencies — dangerous electrolyte imbalances, cardiac complications, or acute psychiatric crises. With Dr. Agresti's concierge model, patients have his direct cell number for urgent concerns between appointments, same-day prescription adjustments, and the extended session time needed to address both the eating disorder and co-occurring conditions.