Eating Disorders
Eating disorders – modern treatment concepts and complementary therapy approaches
Eating disorders are among the most serious mental illnesses and are on the rise worldwide. Adolescents and young adults are particularly affected. The most common forms include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. These disorders are associated with considerable physical, psychological, and social stress and have a high comorbidity with other mental disorders.
The treatment of eating disorders therefore requires an individualized, multimodal therapy concept that combines psychotherapeutic, medical, and—in selected cases—neurobiological procedures.
Types of eating disorders
Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia is characterized by a pronounced fear of weight gain, restrictive eating behavior, and a distorted body image. Despite being underweight, those affected often perceive their bodies as “too fat.” In addition to psychological symptoms, there are serious somatic consequences such as cardiovascular complications, hormonal disorders, and cognitive impairments.
With a mortality rate of up to 20%, anorexia is one of the mental illnesses with the highest mortality rate. The treatment of anorexia is complex and requires a close integration of medical stabilization, psychotherapy, and long-term support.
Bulimia nervosa
Bulimia is characterized by recurrent binge eating followed by compensatory measures such as vomiting or excessive exercise. Body weight is often within the normal range, making the disorder less visible to others.
Nevertheless, there are significant risks, including electrolyte imbalances, cardiac arrhythmias, tooth damage, and inflammation of the esophagus. Psychologically, impulsivity, loss of control, and pronounced shame are at the forefront. The treatment of bulimia aims to stabilize eating behavior and improve emotion and stress regulation.
Binge eating disorder
Binge eating disorder is characterized by repeated episodes of uncontrolled eating without compensatory measures. It is the most common form of eating disorder and is often accompanied by weight gain, metabolic disorders, and depressive symptoms.
Central to the disorder is the perceived loss of control during binge eating episodes, combined with feelings of guilt and shame. The treatment of binge eating disorder requires an integrative approach that takes into account both emotional triggers and neurobiological mechanisms.
Comorbidities in eating disorders
Eating disorders rarely occur in isolation. They are often accompanied by comorbidities such as depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, or personality disorders. These comorbidities have a significant impact on the course, prognosis, and response to therapy.
Successful treatment of eating disorders must therefore take into account the overall psychological situation and go beyond purely symptom-oriented treatment.
Psychotherapy as the basis for the treatment of eating disorders
Psychotherapy is the central pillar in the treatment of eating disorders. It aims to change dysfunctional thought patterns, improve emotion regulation, and build a realistic body image.
The social environment plays an important role, especially in anorexia. Involving family or caregivers can support the therapeutic process, even in adulthood. It is crucial to gently encourage motivation to change. Coercive measures such as force-feeding are often experienced as traumatic and can have a negative impact on long-term outcomes.
Ketamine as a complementary approach to eating disorders
Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that has been used in anesthesia for many years. In recent years, its effectiveness in treating therapy-resistant depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorders has been investigated.
Recent studies suggest that ketamine and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy may also be helpful for selected patients with eating disorders, especially those with difficult-to-treat or chronic courses. It is believed to modulate glutamatergic networks involved in compulsive behavior, rumination, and emotional regulation.
Ketamine is used exclusively as a complementary measure within a structured psychotherapeutic treatment plan. Sometimes, ketamine therapy can also be supplemented with hypnosis.
rTMS and tDCS for eating disorders
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive, well-tolerated procedure that specifically influences neural networks. Studies show that rTMS can contribute to improvements in compulsive symptoms, impulse control, and—in the case of anorexia—BMI in patients with eating disorders.
The effect usually develops over several weeks. We always use rTMS in combination with intensive psychotherapy.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a complementary, low-threshold option. It is safe, has few side effects, and can also be performed at home according to instructions, for example to stabilize between more intensive treatment phases.
Neurofeedback for eating disorders
Neurofeedback is an EEG-based procedure that helps those affected to consciously regulate their brain activity. The aim is to influence neural patterns related to emotion regulation, body perception, and impulse control.
In eating disorders, neurofeedback can help improve self-awareness and strengthen the ability to control emotions. It is particularly suitable as a complementary component within a multimodal treatment program.
Multimodal combined treatment
The combination of psychotherapy, ketamine, rTMS, and neurofeedback takes into account the complex nature of eating disorders. Studies show that multimodal approaches often lead to better and more sustainable results than single procedures.
This integrative approach is particularly useful in cases of:
- chronic or therapy-resistant courses
- pronounced comorbidities
- repeated relapses
Conclusion
The treatment of eating disorders requires an individually tailored, long-term therapy concept. Psychotherapy remains the central component of treatment. Complementary neurobiological procedures such as ketamine, rTMS, and neurofeedback can expand the therapeutic options for selected patients, but they do not replace psychotherapeutic support.
An integrative approach that takes psychological, physical, and neurobiological factors into account in equal measure offers the best conditions for lasting stabilization and improvement in quality of life.
If you are interested in modern, multimodal treatment for eating disorders, please feel free to contact us. We will advise you personally and without obligation.
Make an appointment now for a personal psychotherapeutic evaluation interview.
Treatment of eating disorders
Frequently asked questions about our multimodal therapy for eating disorders
We generally treat eating disorders using a multimodal approach that includes psychotherapy, medical support, and, if necessary, complementary neurobiological procedures.
The most common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.
Ketamine is not a standard procedure, but it is increasingly being scientifically investigated as a complementary option for treatment-resistant cases.
Studies show that rTMS can contribute to improvements in BMI, compulsive symptoms, and impulse control in selected patients.
Yes, especially in complex cases, a combination of psychotherapy, ketamine, rTMS, and neurofeedback can be useful.
At the dosage used to treat eating disorders and other conditions, there is no potential for addiction.
Ketamine has been an approved drug since 1970. Its use for the treatment of depression, compulsive disorders, etc. is considered “off-label” treatment. These therapies are common and legal, but are not always covered by health insurance.
Medical responsibility & professional review
This technical article on the treatment of eating disorders was written under medical supervision and medically reviewed.
The content is based on current scientific findings and clinical experience in the treatment of eating disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorders.
We pursue an evidence-based, multimodal approach. Complementary neurobiological procedures such as ketamine infusions, rTMS, and neurofeedback are used exclusively as part of a structured psychotherapeutic overall concept and do not replace psychotherapy.
Medically reviewed: Dr. Mario Scheib
This content has been medically reviewed and corresponds to the current state of scientific literature on eating disorders and their treatment.
Optionally supplementable with date:
Last medical review: 2026
