Yes of course there are lots of people who had anorexia but are now living relatively normal, healthy lives. That's not to say they are 'cured' as my personal experience of eating disorders is that they are just better managed / I am better at some times than others but I'm certainly not losing weight / in crisis ever.

However, what that journey looks like for each person is probably very different and it does sound like DD is very ill.

As it's a mental illness, therapy really is the secret so I would continue with that and don't be afraid to change therapists if you really don't get a connection after a few months.

I'd also recommend seeking support for yourself - I know there's going to be far more knowledgeable parents along soon who will be able to signpost you to that help.

Here you go

Teen Eating Disorders - Thread 6 www.mumsnet.com/Talk/eating_disorders/4471980-Teen-Eating-Disorders-Thread-6

Hi @anyname147 my daughter is in early months of recovery - she is still on fluoxetine but is now generally eating in a non anorexic way. This is her second attempt at recovery. The first time she decided one day she didn't want to be anorexic anymore - we'd hit her rock bottom. She relapsed again but this time around she has made positive changes to her life (she works with a PT to re-shape her relationship with her body) but also have had to make significant other changes - she has stopped full time schooling (after taking over a year out from school) and so hasn't done A-levels or gone to university as her 'life course' was initially mapped out. She still needs on going therapy

Is your daughter on a meal plan? Are there fear foods she's struggling with specifically. How is her wider life experience?

We went through this from the age of 13-17. I really feel for you. My DD was anorexic to the point of repeated hospitalisation and tube-feeding. We thought we were going to lose her. However, she is eighteen now and eating independently and is a healthy weight. It CAN happen.

Are you anywhere near the Royal Free? There is a brilliant new head at the Eating Disorder Team there who has really turned it around. They supported us with eating support for DD, training for us to teach us how to support an anorexic child (maudsley method) and regular therapy sessions with both DD and us as a family. I would really recommend them.

I know the waiting list is long though and referral is very slow. We ended up going in there through A&E, as things had become life-threateningly bad.

I wish you strength. It's a difficult journey, but it CAN be done.x

Not me (my disorganised eating is different) but I have supported many anorexic students through their degrees/masters/Phd.
Most are still on some form med, are amazing people with such bright futures, yes they have an illness but they understand and recognise that.
Most have people like me to support and have been in and out of hospital, but are well and moving on from their illness ( managing it really well),living independently.
The support and help just takes time as with many mental health issues, it does help but is not a quick 'fix'.

Yes, I had an eating disorder as a teen. Years of therapy, near died several times. I found therapy unhelpful, especially the classic inpatient/ force feed with therapy style. I got over it myself in the end.

this lady makes a whole pile of sense when talking about eating disorders, she treats them like addictions. I attended one of her seminars & I don’t I’ve ever heard anyone describe eating disorders better- when I addressed the issues behind mine I didn’t need to use food a any more.. she runs a clinic London will find the link & post

Proactive Parenting: Help your child conquer self-destructive behaviours and build self-esteem www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1409183416/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_23EFNFA8Z012PX2SDQ7K?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

Link to clinic www.mandysaligari.com/

Michaela Strachan had it as a teenager.

I would like to think I’m ‘cured’ now. I suffered from 13-17 and at 32, have no issues with food. My eating disorder was a need for control when being bullied. I changed schools at 16 and my life changed over night. Do you know the underlying issues/ would a big change in environment help?

Yes, I have.
It was only the right therapy with the right therapist over a long period of time when I was ready to recover. I’d seen people previously but I had no desire to change. Even at the beginning with this therapist I didn’t really want to change but over time I did.

You probably need to identify whether there is an underlying cause or other condition, which would help in choosing appropriate treatment. But depending on the diagnosis, it may be about management rather than cure.

It's possible. It's hard. I don't think the professionals are necessarily giving false hope - they're probably doing their best, but it is known to be a very tricky condition.

Has she been assessed for autism? High correlation between autism and anorexia in women. Often once women receive their autism diagnosis and receive appropriate support and understanding, things can improve.

Recommend the book No bad parts. Maybe you and she could both listen to it. It's not a book about EDs but a psychological approach to understanding our minds - v helpful.