Help! I Think My Child Has an Eating Disorder
Types
There are three major types of eating disorders. Anorexia Nervosa is a condition in which a person severely limits their intact of food. They also tend to exercise excessively. Bulimia is a disorder in which the person will eat large amounts of food and then make themselves throw up before they can absorb any of the calories. There are also binge eaters that do not throw up but balloon up in weight as they eat compulsively. Though these disorders are primarily associated with girls, boys are also just as likely to develop the disorders.
Why?
The reason a child develops an eating disorder is never simple. On the outside it seem to be related to appearance and body image. In a way this is true, however it is likely the problem runs much deeper than that. Children who experience high amounts of stress are more prone to developing an eating disorder. Most often the child feels out of control so they control the one thing they can, their eating habits. Low self esteem often plays a huge role in an eating disorder as well.
Signs
Here are some signs that your child may have developed an eating disorder. Keep in mind that just one sign may mean nothing. Look for a combination of different signs to determine if there is a problem.
– Sudden and severe weight loss or gain
– Not eating or picking at and rearranging foods on a plate to appear to be eating.
– Eating large quantities of food without any apparent weight gain.
– Sudden obsession with appearance and self-depreciating comments.
– Constantly talks about a fear of “getting fat”.
– Missing or delayed periods in girls
– Eating in private and storing food in hidden places so that they may eat alone.
– Weight loss aids or laxatives
– Wearing baggy clothing all of the time to cover weight gain or loss
– Routine trips to the restroom immediately after eating. This may be accompanied by sounds of running water.
– Visiting unusual Webpages on the Internet. There are Websites that promote eating disorders targeted at teenagers.
What Can Happen?
If you have decided that your child does indeed have an eating disorder you should do your best to determine how long it has been going on and how severely it is affecting their health. Bulimics can experience erosion of the throat and teeth from excessive vomiting. People with Anorexia or Bulimia will mostly likely be suffering from malnutrition and dehydration. They are not receiving the proper nutrients to keep themselves healthy. They may seem weak, listless and are prone to getting sick more often than their healthier peers. Their skin may appear sallow and they cannot think clearly. In sever cases organs are damaged and may even begin to shut down. They may experience weakness, dizziness, seizure or heart attack. These eating disorders can cause death if they are not recognized and stopped.
What Can I Do?
If you have discovered that you child is suffering from any of the above disorders it is important that you seek medical intervention as soon as possible. You will first have to confront your child and let them know you are aware of their secret. They may seem hostile and tell you to “mind your own business” but they may also be secretly glad someone finally noticed. Show your child love and respect when you are talking to them. Do not show signs of judgment or pity. Let them talk. Even if they are hurling insults in your direction try to refrain from responding to them.
Encourage them to take control of the situation. Let them know you would like them to seek treatment and ask them if they think this is a good idea. They may seem reluctant at first but you may find them coming around soon enough. If they do not you may need to force treatment. Tell them that you are concerned about their condition because you love them and you are afraid you are going to lose them. Let them know that eating disorders kill and you can’t bear to see that happen. Get them to a doctor as soon as you can. If they resist and tell you they are fine, don’t give in. Remind them that if nothing is wrong the doctor will prove this after an exam. You child may be more open to treatment once they hear from a doctor that their health is in danger.
Choosing Help
There are many facilities worldwide that specialize in eating disorders. Some offer inpatient services while others offer out patient therapy and medical treatment. Discuss the options with your doctor and ask them for recommendations. A good facility will not only treat the physical problems associated with an eating disorder, they will also treat the underlying issues as well.
Here are a few questions you may want to ask a prospective facility:
– How long have you been in operation?
– What are your credentials and what licenses do you hold?
– How extensive is the treatment?
– What is your treatment program?
– Do you offer in house or outpatient treatment options?
– Do you accept insurance and what are your rates?
– What kind of follow up treatment do you offer after the initial treatment period?
– How extensive is the evaluation of your child before recommending treatment options?
Length of treatment will depend on the severity of your child’s disorder. Programs can last for as long as a few months to a few years.
Prevention
There are some things parents can do to prevent a child from developing an eating disorder. Though nothing is foolproof you can do your best to set a good example. Try to be a good role model. Never focus your attention on being “thin”, try instead to use the word “healthy”. Do not obsess over your own weight in front of your child or children. This conveys to your child that appearance if everything. This is not a good message to be sending out to them.
Encourage self-esteem and accomplishments that have nothing to do with appearance. A child that has a good sense of self worth will be less likely to obsess about their personal appearance. Try to instead put the emphasis on being neat, clean and presentable.
Final Words
Remember that treatment doesn’t always work. Many patients with eating disorders will suffer some sort of setback. Encourage them to get back on track and let them know you are there for them. They will thank you in the end. Many people suffering from eating disorders will have to fight for the rest of their lives to stay away from destructive behaviors. Go find a support group for parents. There are many out there that help the parents understand what their child is going through and that will support you through the tougher moments.
