Psychiatric Eating Disorder Care · Washington, DC
Treatment for Adolescents and Adults with Eating Disorders
Dr. Smita Patel provides compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric evaluation and treatment for eating disorders in adolescents and adults, combining advanced psychopharmacology with a holistic, mindfulness-informed approach.
Understanding Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are serious, complex mental health conditions characterized by persistent disturbances in eating behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. Far more than concerns about food or weight, they reflect deep psychological struggles that affect physical health, emotional well-being, and quality of life. Early, accurate diagnosis and comprehensive psychiatric care are essential for recovery.
9%
of Americans are affected by an eating disorder during their lifetime.
All Ages
Eating disorders affect adolescents, adults, and older adults across every demographic.
Treatable
With expert psychiatric care and early intervention, full recovery is an achievable goal.
Common Types of Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa
Characterized by a significantly low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image that drives severe restriction of food intake.
Bulimia Nervosa
Involves repeated cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging, excessive exercise, or fasting to counteract calorie intake.
Binge Eating Disorder
The most common eating disorder in the United States, defined by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food rapidly, often accompanied by feelings of shame and loss of control.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Involves highly selective eating habits or avoidance of food that is not driven by body image concerns, often resulting in nutritional deficiencies and significant social impairment.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)
Encompasses clinically significant eating disturbances that do not meet full diagnostic criteria for another disorder but still require professional evaluation and care.
Dr. Patel's Integrative Approach to Eating Disorder Treatment
Dr. Smita Patel brings over three decades of psychiatric experience to the treatment of eating disorders in adolescents and adults. Her integrative model combines rigorous clinical assessment with personalized medication management and mindfulness-based strategies, supporting patients toward lasting recovery.
- Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation: Dr. Patel conducts thorough evaluations to identify the specific eating disorder, co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression, and any underlying medical concerns that inform a personalized treatment plan.
- Psychopharmacology & Medication Management: When clinically appropriate, Dr. Patel's Johns Hopkins-trained expertise in psychopharmacology guides evidence-based medication management to address mood dysregulation, obsessive thoughts, and related psychiatric symptoms.
- Mindfulness-Informed Care: Integrating mindfulness techniques into psychiatric treatment supports patients in developing a healthier relationship with food, body image, and emotions — addressing the psychological roots of disordered eating.
- Coordinated Multidisciplinary Treatment: Dr. Patel collaborates closely with nutritionists, therapists, and medical providers to ensure patients receive comprehensive, coordinated care throughout every stage of recovery.
- Telemedicine & In-Office Appointments: To maximize access to care, Dr. Patel offers both secure telemedicine and in-office sessions at her Washington, DC office, serving patients across a broad geographic area.
- Lifespan Approach — Adolescents Through Adults: With decades of clinical experience treating patients across age groups, Dr. Patel tailors her approach to the developmental needs of adolescents and adults alike.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric condition. Timely, expert psychiatric evaluation and treatment are the most important steps a patient or family can take. Dr. Patel's early-intervention approach is designed to reduce suffering, prevent complications, and support full recovery.
Improved Treatment Outcomes
Research consistently demonstrates that individuals who receive psychiatric care early in the course of an eating disorder experience significantly better long-term outcomes and faster recovery.
Prevention of Medical Complications
Eating disorders carry serious physical health risks. Early intervention reduces the risk of dangerous medical complications affecting the cardiovascular system, bones, and endocrine function.
Addressing Co-Occurring Conditions
Eating disorders frequently co-occur with anxiety, depression, OCD, and trauma. Early psychiatric evaluation identifies and treats these conditions simultaneously, supporting whole-person recovery.
Family & Social Preservation
Early treatment protects critical relationships and social functioning, helping patients maintain their roles in school, work, and family life throughout the recovery process.
Specialized Care by Age Group
Dr. Patel offers dedicated eating disorder treatment tailored to the unique needs of each patient population.
Adults
Comprehensive psychiatric care for adults managing anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and ARFID.
Adult Eating DisordersAdolescents
Developmentally sensitive psychiatric evaluation and treatment for young patients and their families.
Adolescents with Eating DisordersReady to take the first step? Contact Dr. Patel's office to schedule a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about eating disorder types, treatment, and when to seek professional help.
Have additional questions about eating disorder treatment? Call (202) 775-0620 or contact the office directly.
Contact Dr. Patel's OfficeTake the First Step Toward Recovery
Dr. Smita Patel is accepting new patients for comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and personalized eating disorder treatment. Both telemedicine and in-office appointments are available. Reach out today to learn how Dr. Patel can support you or your family member on the path to recovery.
Questions about insurance? View insurance & coverage information