Identify and Support Teenagers with Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are complex and potentially life-threatening mental health conditions affecting people of all ages and genders.

However, teenagers are at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder, and parents must recognize the signs and symptoms early on. If left untreated, eating disorders can lead to serious health problems, including malnutrition, heart failure, and even death.

In this article, we’ll explore the importance of recognizing eating disorders in teenagers and provide tips on how parents can help their children get the support they need.

teenager struggling with eating disorder staring at food on plate

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

The first step in helping a teenager with an eating disorder is recognizing the signs and symptoms.

Some of the most common signs include:

Significant weight loss or gain
Obsessive thoughts about food, weight, and body shape
Refusal to eat certain foods or food groups
Avoidance of social situations that involve food
Compulsive exercising
Mood swings and irritability
Secretive behavior around food and eating
Dizziness, fainting, and fatigue
Dental problems, such as tooth decay and enamel erosion
Hair loss and dry skin

It’s important to note that not all teenagers with eating disorders will display all of these symptoms. Additionally, some symptoms may be more subtle than others.

Therefore, it’s important for parents to be vigilant and look out for any changes in their child’s behavior or attitude toward food and eating.

Types of Eating Disorders

There are several types of eating disorders, each with its own set of symptoms and treatment approaches. The most common types include:

Anorexia nervosa: characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and abnormally low body weight.
Bulimia nervosa: characterized by binge eating followed by purging behaviors, such as vomiting, laxative abuse, or excessive exercise.
Binge eating disorder: characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating without any purging behaviors.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): characterized by a persistent refusal to eat certain foods or food groups, leading to significant weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and impaired social functioning.

Remember that eating disorders are not always black and white. Some individuals may exhibit symptoms of more than one type of eating disorder or may have a mixture of symptoms that don’t fit into a specific category.

Therapies That Help

Eating disorders are complex conditions that require a comprehensive treatment approach. The most effective treatment typically involves a combination of therapies, including:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): a type of talk therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to food and eating.
DBT: DBT for adolescents, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, has been shown to be incredibly effective in eating disorders for teens and adults alike.
Family-based therapy (FBT) involves the entire family in the treatment process, with the goal of restoring the teen’s healthy eating habits and promoting weight restoration.
Nutritional counseling: a type of therapy that involves working with a registered dietitian to develop a healthy and balanced meal plan.
Medication: Sometimes, medication may be used to treat co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety.

Parents need to work closely with their child’s healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for their specific needs.

The Family’s Role in Helping the Teen

Parents play a crucial role in helping their teenagers recover from an eating disorder. Here are some ways parents can support their children:

Educate themselves: learn as much as possible about eating disorders and how to support their child’s recovery.
Be non-judgmental: avoid criticizing or shaming their child for their eating disorder or body shape/size.

Encourage Communication

Create a safe and supportive environment where their child feels comfortable talking about their thoughts and feelings related to food and body image.

Work with healthcare providers: collaborate with their child’s healthcare team to develop a comprehensive treatment plan and ensure their child receives appropriate care and support.
Promote a healthy relationship with food: focus on promoting a balanced and healthy diet rather than restricting certain foods or food groups.
Model healthy behaviors: lead by example by modeling healthy eating habits and avoiding negative comments about their own body or weight.
Seek support: seek support from family, friends, or support groups for parents of children with eating disorders to help manage the stress and emotions that come with supporting a child through recovery.

Recognizing and addressing eating disorders in teenagers is critical for their long-term health and well-being.

By learning the signs and symptoms of eating disorders, understanding the different types of eating disorders, and knowing how to support their child through treatment, parents can play an important role in helping their teenager recover from an eating disorder.

Remember, early intervention and treatment can make a significant difference in the outcome of an eating disorder, so it’s important to seek help as soon as possible if you suspect your child may be struggling with an eating disorder.