Refeeding (also called renutrition)

Evidence-based treatment providers consider refeeding the essential first step in modern treatment of anorexia nervosa. Food is seen as primary medicine, both for the body and the brain. In hospital inpatient or residential settings, refeeding is often carried out through systematic use of behavior motivation techniques. If a patient is unable to cooperate with refeeding efforts, nasogastric feeding or even intravenous feeding (see Total Parenteral Nutrition) may be prescribed. Inpatient refeeding is usually ramped up gradually (see graded refeeding) to prevent refeeding syndrome.  In Maudsley/family-based treatment, the overall goal of weight restoration is similar. Here, families work to replicate basic structures that would be typical of inpatient settings in their homes. Parents are called upon to manage and enforce eating (see Food police) until full weight restoration is achieved. A variation of refeeding protocol is the Mandometer method, where patients use a biofeedback device to relearn the "habit" of eating.


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