Eating Disorders in Children and Teens

What is an eating disorder?

Eating disorders encompass diagnoses that are characterized by irregular eating habits, severe distress, and/or concern about weight and appearance. Disordered eating may include inadequate or excessive food intake that impacts a person’s overall wellbeing. The most common eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder.

Risk Factors for developing an eating disorder

Eating disorders are complex and there are many myths and negative stereotypes that are associated with eating disorders. Largely, people outside of the field oversimplify the origin of eating disorders and blame our media’s unrealistic portrayal of women’s bodies. However, eating disorders affect children, teens, and adults regardless of race, sex, gender, and religion. Most experts in the field agree that eating disorders stem from an interaction of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Some of the factors include;

·         Having a close relative with an eating disorder

·         Having a close relative with a mental health condition

·         History of dieting

·         Perfectionism

·         Body image dissatisfaction

·         Personal history of an anxiety disorder

·         Weight stigma

·         Teasing or bullying

·         Appearance ideal internalization

·         Acculturation

·         Limited social networks

·         History of trauma

Signs of an eating disorder;

·         Eating in secret

·         Preoccupation with food

·         Calorie counting

·         Fear of gaining weight or becoming fat

·         Binge eating

·         Purging

·         Food phobias or avoidance

·         Increased excessive exercise

·         Changes in appearance (weight gain/loss, puffy cheeks, hair loss, dry skin/hair)

How to help?

It can be scary and overwhelming having a child or adolescent struggling with an eating disorder. Many parents are not sure how to help and that can feel powerless. However, caregivers and parents can be a major key to success in a child or adolescent’s recovery.

·         Be patient- There is no timeline for recovery. It can helpful to assist your child to maintain focus on treatment and goals but do not create a deadline.

·         Educate yourself- Read books, articles, and journals about eating disorders. There are numerous podcasts that provide education as well. Meet your child’s treatment team and discuss ways to support your child.

·         Accompany your child to appointments- This provides support to your child, ensures your child is maintaining needed appointments, and provides opportunities for you to debrief with your child’s treatment team.

·         Join an eating disorder support group for parents and caregivers – Supporting a child with an eating disorder may feel overwhelming. Joining a support group can foster universality, connection to others, and allow parents and caregivers a place to share their own experiences.

·         Do not take your child’s actions personally- Recovery and treatment can be challenging and difficult and children and adolescents may take out these frustrations on their parents and loved ones. Learn how to talk to your child about recovery and understand this is a very challenging time for them.

What does help look like? Who needs to be involved?

Because of the severity and complexity of these diagnoses, a comprehensive and professional treatment team specializing in eating disorders is fundamental. Treatment teams are usually comprised of one or more of the following;

·         Medical Care and Monitoring (Pediatrician or Primary Care Physician)

·         Nutrition (Nutritionist or Dietician)

·         Therapy (Social Worker or Psychotherapist)

·         Medication (Psychiatrist or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)

Accessing care for your child or adolescent quickly is very important due to the severe and dangerous complications that can result from eating disorders. With your support and the support of a treatment team, your child can overcome unhealthy eating habits and develop a healthy relationship with food and themselves.