4 Deadly Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents
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Introduction to the Identification of Eating Disorders
Today we are going to talk about four deadly eating disorders in children and adolescents. Eating disorders affect how people think about their body image, their weight, and how they eat. A possible eating disorder occurs when extreme behavior around food starts to disrupt a person’s life. Symptoms may include a chaotic relationship with food and an unhealthy focus on weight and shape. If you or someone close to you is displaying such behaviors, it is important to understand the facts associated with eating disorders. Education on recognizing signs of an eating disorder can help begin the process of recovery.
- Introduction to the Identification of Eating Disorders
- What Are Disordered eating behaviors?
- Psychological Factors & Diagnostic Criteria for Eating Disorders
- Risk Factors for Eating Disorders
- Environmental Factors for Eating Disorders
- Diagnosis of anorexia nervosa
- Eating Disorders have Increased Since the Pandemic
- Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
- Bulimia Nervosa
- Binge-Eating Disorder
- Medical Conditions and Eating Disorders
- Medical complications From Eating Disorders
- Eating disorder examination questionnaire
- Symptoms of Eating Disorders
- Treatment of Eating Disorders
- Medical Treatment & Care of Eating Disorders
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy & Talk Therapy for Eating Disorders
- Family-Based Therapy & Early Intervention for Eating Disorders
- Eating Disorders and Childhood Trauma & Higher Risk For Sexual Abuse & Emotional Abuse/Physical Abuse
- Support for Eating Disorders
- Symptoms of Eating Disorders in Children and Teens – On Call for All Kids (YouTube Video)
- Summary of Eating Disorders
What Are Disordered eating behaviors?
What are disordered eating behaviors? Disordered eating behaviors often include unhealthy habits or attitudes towards food that can lead to weight gain. This can include restrictive diets, binge eating, or food avoidance in response to anxiety. People with disordered eating may also have an obsession with counting calories and obsessively weigh themselves to control weight gain. It’s important to seek help if these behaviors become common, as they can develop into an eating disorder that can cause significant harm to the body.
Psychological Factors & Diagnostic Criteria for Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are complex mental health issues that often arise from a multitude of environmental, physical, and psychological factors. According to the American Psychiatric Association, to make an accurate eating disorder diagnosis, psychological symptoms associated with the disorder must be present as well.
Characteristics specific to each disorder such as body dysmorphic disorder, binge eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa will all display distinguishing behaviors that healthcare professionals can observe to properly diagnose each respective illness. There are typically severe trends in self-destructive behavior that could hint at signs of an eating disorder.
The DSM-V emphasizes psychological factors; these include:
- low self-esteem
- negative body image
- distorted cognition regarding food, weight, shape, and appearance.
These psychological components can sometimes be more persistent than underlying behavior-based issues, which is why it is essential to work closely with a mental health professional to identify the cause to correctly diagnose any eating disorders and advise the patient on how to manage them properly.
Risk Factors for Eating Disorders
Adolescent girls and boys are both at risk for eating disorders due to factors such as low self-esteem, pressure from peers, trauma, and depression. Adolescents are especially vulnerable to society’s unrealistic ideas about beauty and body image, encouraging them to strive for an unattainable ideal of perfection. Unhealthy behavior often leads to destructive relationships with food and an obsession with their own body. With the right support system and education, adolescents can learn how to create healthy relationships with food and their bodies.
Environmental Factors for Eating Disorders
Environmental factors play an important role in the development of eating disorders. Substance use, childhood trauma, and physical or emotional abuse can all be contributing factors. People with a genetic predisposition to developing an eating disorder are often put at greater risk when exposed to any of these environmental influences. Prolonged exposure to negative external environments increases the likelihood that a person will develop an eating disorder, such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder.
Diagnosis of anorexia nervosa
The diagnosis of anorexia nervosa can be a difficult challenge for both medical professionals and those struggling with the condition. Due to individuals on the spectrum of the disorder being highly secretive about their food intake, and energy output and often undertreating themselves for physical ailments, it is hurtling for clinicians to accurately determine if someone has anorexia. The professional evaluation process begins with a psychiatric examination that assesses eating behaviors, life events, and any associated depression.
Further assessment will include lab tests and physical exams that measure height, weight, blood count, electrolytes, and vital signs as well as other tests of cardiac function. Comprehensive medical tests are necessary since anorexia nervosa can have serious ramifications not only on the sufferer’s quality of life but their overall health as well.
My Anorexia Journey
I was in a tight spot when I discovered that I was anorexic after having my first two kids. My weight had dropped to 112 pounds, and even though I had become so thin that I was a size 4, I could still see fat on my body. But eventually that all changed as soon as I got pregnant with my third child – thankfully it brought the weight gain I needed to stay healthy. It wasn’t easy though, and unfortunately at 7 weeks, I lost my baby’s twin.
That ordeal only made me stronger and more determined to succeed during the pregnancy of my last baby. Thankfully she was born at 27 weeks due to another condition of mine, ehlers-danlos Syndrome. It was during this time that I started on a journey into special needs parenting – one that required more emotional strength than even fighting an eating disorder ever did. All of my challenges have contributed significantly to who I am today.
Eating Disorders have Increased Since the Pandemic
The pandemic has caused an unfortunate rise in eating disorders. Although it is often triggered by external factors, a person’s diet is intricately linked to their mental health as well. The sudden change of lifestyle that the pandemic brought on, with many people having to work and study from home, coupled with the uncertainty and fear of being ill, has contributed to an increase in levels of anxiety and depression, which can result in disordered eating habits. Additionally, access to healthy food options may be limited because of reduced access to grocery stores or the financial constraints many have faced due to job losses and other economic hardship. Those already predisposed towards eating disorders may find themselves more vulnerable now and are in need more than ever of support networks and professional help.
Eating Disorders on The Rise
Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Restrictive food intake disorder can be a serious and potentially life-threatening problem for many individuals. The main cause of this disorder appears to be a combination of social, biological, emotional, and behavioral factors within the individual’s environment. It is important to be aware of the signs of anorexia such as an intense fear of gaining weight, distorted body image, weight loss despite being underweight, and a drastic reduction in caloric intake, which is usually accompanied by excessive exercise regimes in an attempt to control their body weight.
This can have incredibly detrimental effects on physical and mental health, such as atrophy of muscle tissue, loss of menstruation, gastrointestinal issues, depression, and anxiety. With expert treatment and behavioral changes; however, it’s possible to manage the impacts of this disorder with positive coping strategies and attitudes.
Bulimia Nervosa
Adolescent bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that affects 4.7% of all adolescents in the US, according to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA). Adolescents with bulimia nervosa have a distorted perception of weight and body image, leading them to become overly fixated on appearances and desiring drastic changes to their diet and exercise regimens. Adolescent bulimia nervosa can be accompanied by behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, the abuse of laxatives, or excessive exercise. While outside physical characteristics may not indicate any issues, behavioral signs may include isolation from friends and family, avoidance of meals or extensive dieting habits, moodiness, and anxiety about their appearance. Receiving support from loved ones and seeking rehabilitation are two important steps toward recovering from adolescent bulimia nervosa.
When I was struggling with an eating disorder, it wasn’t straightforward or singular. I had a combination of anorexia and bulimia traits. While I severely restricted what and how much food I consumed, I went beyond that by frequently engaging in exercises as a way to exorcise the calories that did make it into my body. My chaotic attempts to micromanage my weight even extended to using food in disordered ways – after meals I would have chocolate ex-lax squares as a so-called ‘dessert’, which left me with horrendous abdominal cramping afterward that really took a toll on my mental health. While this behavior seemed to provide a measure of control over my weight management process at the time, looking back at it now – it was ultimately counter-productive.
Binge-Eating Disorder
Binge-eating disorder is a serious but treatable eating disorder. It is characterized by frequent episodes of uncontrollable overeating, often resulting in feelings of guilt, shame, and distress. Binge-eating occurs when the individual consumes an unusually large amount of food in a short period of time with an extreme focus on the food that is being consumed without thought given to appetite or fullness signals. Binge eating involves significant psychological distress and impairment in important areas of functioning, so it is important for individuals who believe they may be suffering from Binge-eating disorder to seek prompt assessment and treatment.
I was once in a very dark place, caught in a maze of unhealthy eating disorders, seemingly hopeless. From severely restrictive diets to intense binge eating, my weight fluctuated drastically — all the way down to 112 pounds and up to 287 pounds with shin fractures from carrying so much excess weight due to mineral loss from being too restrictive. It was an exhausting cycle of misery and guilt that felt like it would never end. However, I was able, eventually, to break free with the help of those around me who supported me throughout my journey and helped me relearn how to nourish myself healthily. Now, although it’s hard for me to admit out loud, I sit at 187 pounds. My eating disorder is slowly becoming part of my past rather than a rule of my present.
Medical Conditions and Eating Disorders
Medical conditions such as Autism spectrum disorder, hyperactivity disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder can often lead to eating disorders. People experiencing these conditions may lack the insight or tools to properly manage their behavior or emotions surrounding food and diet. For individuals with an autism spectrum disorder, in particular, certain changes in routine or sensory issues around certain foods may negatively impact how they interact with food. The result can be psychological difficulties when trying to control the intake of food which leads to disordered eating patterns over time. If you know someone suffering from any of these medical conditions, they need to receive proper nutritional guidance to prevent an eating disorder from developing.
Medical complications From Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are a serious medical issue and can cause many medical complications beyond body image issues. Severe cases of eating disorders can result in electrolyte imbalances and irregular heartbeat, while also leading to difficulty with concentration, low energy levels, and weakened immune systems. Additionally, some eating disorder sufferers may develop conditions such as anemia or osteoporosis. One of the most severe medical complications caused by eating disorders is Inflammatory Bowel Disease which can lead to life-threatening situations if left untreated. It’s important to seek help for an eating disorder early on to avoid these and other medical complications that may arise.
Serious conditions From Eating Disorders
Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating are very serious conditions that can have long-term physical and psychological consequences. Anxiety, depression, emaciation with serious health problems, failure to thrive, substance abuse, and other complications can be the result of someone dealing with one of these mental illnesses. Furthermore, due to the stress, these conditions can put on the body they can lead to significant physiological changes in existing medical conditions like heart disease, compromised immune system functioning, and difficulty regulating blood sugar levels. Eating disorders are serious and can lead to death. It is therefore essential that people dealing with eating disorders receive prompt assessment and treatment of their illness for them to improve their quality of life and long-term prognosis.
Eating disorder examination questionnaire
The eating disorder examination questionnaire is a self-report measure designed to assess the severity and symptoms of an individual’s eating disorder. The questionnaire has many questions that ask about various aspects of the disorder including food intake, attitude toward weight, and general health indicators. The answers to these questions are then scored on a scale from 0 to 100 with higher scores representing greater severity and difficulty when dealing with the disorder. Additionally, total scores for all of the questions can be converted into a global score which is useful for monitoring progress with treatment as it can inform clinicians of any changes in overall severity over time.
Symptoms of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders can take a serious toll on one’s physical and mental health, with nutritional deficiencies and significant weight loss being some of the most common symptoms. These conditions often lead to further complications, such as anemia, brittle bones due to lack of calcium intake, and even kidney failure caused by nutritional imbalances. If left untreated, eating disorders can be deadly; therefore, it is important that those suffering seek immediate medical help if they notice any of these symptoms manifesting in their life. With the right combination of therapy and nutritional intervention, individuals facing eating disorders can recover fully over time.
Symptoms of Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Restrictive Food Intake Disorder is a serious mental health condition characterized by severely limiting food intake and resulting in significant weight loss. Common symptoms can include skipping meals throughout the day, avoiding certain foods or meals, spending excessive amounts of time preoccupied with food or calories, having rigid rules around food consumption, obsessive measuring and weighing of food, as well as feelings of guilt or shame associated with eating.
It is important to recognize these signs to seek help at an early stage and prevent further complications from developing. A comprehensive evaluation is necessary to accurately determine whether someone is struggling with this disorder, which may include psychological testing and assessments of physical functioning with total scores.
Symptoms of Binge-Eating Disorder
Binge-Eating Disorder (BED) is a serious and increasingly common eating disorder characterized by compulsive eating and episodes of uncontrolled binging. Symptoms of BED can include feelings of guilt, shame, and embarrassment associated with binge eating; disruption of normal eating habits; significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning; frequent episodes of consuming unusually large amounts of food in a discrete period. Persistent thoughts about food and body shape-related issues. Loss of control during an episode of binges. Avoiding meals or compensatory behaviors such as fasting, self-induced vomiting, or the use of laxatives. If you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms, it is important to seek professional help immediately as BED can have serious physical and psychological consequences if left untreated.
Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa is a serious, life-threatening eating disorder that affects millions of people all over the world. The primary symptom of this disorder is an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat. This can manifest in several behaviors such as avoiding meals, strictly controlling portions, and excessive exercise. In addition to these behaviors, sufferers may also experience physical symptoms such as significant weight loss, dry skin, fatigue, and bloating. Those suffering may also suffer from a decreased interest in activities they once enjoyed and an unwillingness to eat with other people due to shame around their condition.
It’s important to note that each person’s journey with Anorexia Nervosa is unique; while some might experience most or all of the above-mentioned symptoms, others may only have one or two symptoms present. No matter how many symptoms are visible, treatment must be sought so that individuals can live healthy life without the debilitating effects of this eating disorder.
Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder that can have long-lasting, damaging consequences on the body and mind. Symptoms of bulimia include feelings of guilt or shame about eating, secretive binge-eating episodes, and a fear of gaining weight. Other common signs are significant fluctuations in body weight, avoiding meals or particular foods, dehydration, and frequent sore throats. It is common to frequently check in the mirror for perceived flaws. Bulimia sufferers will often also suffer from other mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse issues, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
If left untreated bulimia nervosa can lead to more serious health complications including nutrient deficiency anemia, gastrointestinal problems, and even tooth decay due to repeated exposure to stomach acid. Treatment through various therapies is available and important for those suffering from this debilitating condition.
Treatment of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are serious mental health issues that require comprehensive treatment and care from specialists in the field, such as eating disorder therapists, and family and friends. To best address these issues, early identification and intervention are important so that people can reduce the potentially severe consequences of their eating disorders. Eating disorder treatment typically includes stages such as medical evaluations, nutritional counseling, and individual psychotherapy sessions with a specialist who specializes in this particular area of mental health.
Whenever possible, family members should also be included in the treatment process since they can provide unwavering support which is essential for successful recovery. Total scores indicate how well an individual is doing in terms of overcoming their eating disorder but it is just one component of effective recovery; nutrition plans, social support networks, medication, and involvement of family are all integral pieces of the puzzle.
Medical Treatment & Care of Eating Disorders
Medical treatment and care for those suffering from an eating disorder can be life-saving. Medical professionals are trained to help patients regain health through the implementation of evidence-based treatments, such as individual psychotherapy, group therapy, family therapy, nutrition counseling, and medical monitoring. Medical treatment and care can help individuals struggling with an eating disorder to become aware of and change their thought patterns and behaviors related to their eating disorder.
Medical treatment is also critical in helping individuals alleviate physical symptoms associated with their illness so they can eventually return to healthier lifestyles. Choosing the right type of medical treatment may seem daunting but it is essential in reducing the physical, emotional, and psychological impact of eating disorders.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy & Talk Therapy for Eating Disorders
Mental health professionals often recommend a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and talk therapy as the most effective treatment for eating disorders. CBT helps reframe negative thought patterns and behaviors, while talk therapy addresses underlying issues that may be contributing to disordered eating habits.
Both have proven highly successful in helping individuals identify non-destructive ways to manage stressors, learn healthier coping skills, boost self-esteem, confront any unresolved emotional trauma, and ultimately reduce or eliminate detrimental eating habits.
With supportive care from experienced therapists during this important process of recovery and growth, individuals with eating disorders can develop lifelong solutions to managing their unique challenges.
Family-Based Therapy & Early Intervention for Eating Disorders
Family-based treatment and other forms of family therapy have proven to be helpful in early intervention for eating disorders. By providing a supportive family network, those with eating disorders can gain a better understanding of their condition and overcome the challenges related to it. Research has shown that family support is essential for psychological, emotional, and behavioral well-being. Furthermore, when families unite in support, they create an environment that allows healthy coping strategies and learning experiences to become part of the treatment process. With this kind of love, support, and compassion from loved ones, early intervention can become a successful reality in treating eating disorders.
Eating Disorders and Childhood Trauma & Higher Risk For Sexual Abuse & Emotional Abuse/Physical Abuse
Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia have long been known to be associated with childhood trauma and abuse. Unfortunately, the relationship between the two goes even deeper than first thought. Recent studies suggest that those who suffer from a disorder such as anorexia in childhood are more likely to experience sexual abuse or physical/emotional abuse later on in life due to their previous mental trauma.
This pattern of continued trauma is heartbreaking yet not unfathomable given our society’s norms around disordered eating and body shaming. To prevent this cycle of suffering, it is important to support those who suffer with not only treatments for their disorder but also therapies that will help them heal from underlying experiences which may contribute to their behaviors.
Support for Eating Disorders
Eating disorders can be incredibly difficult to manage and can put an individual’s health and well-being at risk. Thankfully, there are many resources available for those looking for support with eating disorders. There are excellent websites designed to help individuals with both prevention and recovery such as:
- National Eating Disorders Association which provides comprehensive services to individuals across the US
- Beat: UK’s Eating Disorder Charity which offers peer support, advice, and another source of aid to those in the UK,
- Eating Disorder Hope: serves as a voice of hope by offering education programs, online resources, and national treatment providers information,
- Anorexia Nervosa & Related Disorders: works towards creating body awareness among individuals while dispelling myths related to eating disorders, and
- The Emily Program: offers support through exercising sound clinical practices promoting a total recovery from eating disorders.
Collectively these sites provide important resources for those struggling with an eating disorder or looking for preventative methods for managing their overall health and well-being.
Symptoms of Eating Disorders in Children and Teens – On Call for All Kids (YouTube Video)
Summary of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are serious and can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Early intervention is key to overcoming these debilitating illnesses and promoting healthy coping strategies. Treatment plans should involve a combination of therapies that address the underlying causes as well as family support when possible. Recent research has provided valuable insight into how to properly diagnose and treat eating disorders, taking us one step closer to understanding the complexities of this difficult condition.
Looking for more? Read How to stop negative thinking: A Perfectionist’s guide,
