What aspect should the social worker prioritize in the treatment plan for a client with an eating disorder?

In the treatment plan for a client with an eating disorder, prioritizing the restoration of nutritional health is essential. This is because eating disorders often involve significant disruptions in nutritional intake, which can lead to serious physical and psychological health consequences. A cornerstone of effective treatment is addressing these nutritional deficiencies to stabilize the client's physical health, as malnutrition can severely affect their emotional well-being, cognitive functioning, and overall ability to engage in therapeutic activities.

Restoring nutritional health serves as a foundation for other aspects of treatment. Once the client’s physical health is stabilized through proper nutrition, it becomes easier to address the psychological, social, and behavioral components of the disorder. This foundation supports subsequent therapeutic interventions, allowing clients to better engage in therapies designed to enhance coping strategies, improve self-esteem, and address underlying psychological issues.

While developing a supportive peer network, increasing physical activity, and engaging in family therapy can all contribute positively to the overall treatment plan, they are generally secondary to ensuring that the client has adequate nutritional health. Without addressing the immediate and often critical nutritional needs, these other strategies might be less effective or even counterproductive.