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Eating Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence, 4th Edition: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians and Families

Dwayne Mitchell

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Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect how people think about food, their bodies, and themselves. They can lead to a range of physical and psychological health problems, and can even be fatal.

Eating disorders are more common in children and adolescents than you might think. In fact, up to 10% of children and adolescents will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives.

Eating Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence: 4th Edition

by Linda Fairley

4.8 out of 5

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The good news is that eating disorders are treatable. With the right help, children and adolescents can recover from eating disorders and go on to live healthy, fulfilling lives.

Types of Eating Disorders

There are several different types of eating disorders, including:

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by extreme weight loss, a fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. People with anorexia may restrict their food intake, exercise excessively, or purge (vomit, use laxatives, or take diet pills) to lose weight.
Bulimia nervosa is characterized by binge eating (eating large amounts of food in a short period of time) followed by purging. People with bulimia may also restrict their food intake or exercise excessively.
Binge-eating disorder is characterized by binge eating without purging. People with binge-eating disorder may eat large amounts of food in a short period of time and feel out of control during these episodes.
Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED) is a category for eating disorders that do not meet the full criteria for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge-eating disorder. OSFED can include symptoms of anorexia, bulimia, or binge-eating disorder, but to a lesser degree.

Causes of Eating Disorders

The exact cause of eating disorders is unknown, but there are a number of factors that can contribute to their development, including:

Genetics: Eating disorders can run in families, suggesting that there may be a genetic component to their development.
Personality traits: People with certain personality traits, such as perfectionism, low self-esteem, and anxiety, may be more likely to develop eating disorders.
Environmental factors: Exposure to dieting, weight loss, and eating disorder behaviors can increase the risk of developing an eating disorder.
Trauma: Experiencing trauma, such as sexual abuse or neglect, can increase the risk of developing an eating disorder.

Symptoms of Eating Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence

The symptoms of eating disorders can vary depending on the type of eating disorder, but some common symptoms include:

Changes in eating habits: Restricting food intake, binge eating, or purging
Changes in weight: Extreme weight loss or gain
Body image concerns: Feeling fat or overweight, even when underweight
Low self-esteem
Anxiety or depression
Social withdrawal
Physical health problems: Fatigue, dizziness, constipation, amenorrhea (loss of menstrual periods)

Risks of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can have a serious impact on physical and mental health, including:

Nutritional deficiencies
Growth problems
Heart problems
Kidney problems
Bone loss
Depression
Anxiety
Substance abuse
Suicide

Diagnosis of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can be difficult to diagnose, as they often involve secrecy and denial. If you are concerned that your child or adolescent may have an eating disorder, it is important to seek professional help.

A doctor or mental health professional will typically diagnose an eating disorder based on a physical examination, a psychiatric evaluation, and a review of eating habits.

Treatment of Eating Disorders

The treatment of eating disorders typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, nutrition counseling, and medical care.

Psychotherapy can help people with eating disorders to understand the underlying causes of their disorder and to develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Nutrition counseling can help people with eating disorders to learn how to eat healthy and to restore a healthy weight.

Medical care may be necessary to address any physical health problems that have developed as a result of the eating disorder.

Prevention of Eating Disorders

There is no surefire way to prevent eating disorders, but there are a number of things that parents and caregivers can do to reduce the risk of their child or adolescent developing an eating disorder, including:

Promote a healthy body image: Help your child or adolescent to develop a positive body image by avoiding negative comments about weight or appearance.
Encourage healthy eating habits: Teach your child or adolescent about healthy eating and encourage them to eat a variety of foods from all food groups.
Be aware of the signs and symptoms of eating disorders: If you are concerned that your child or adolescent may have an eating disorder, seek professional help immediately.

Prognosis for Eating Disorders

The prognosis for eating disorders depends on a number of factors, including the type of eating disorder, the severity of the disorder, and the person's age and overall health.

With early diagnosis and treatment, most people with eating disorders can recover and go on to live healthy, fulfilling lives. However, eating disorders can be fatal if left untreated.

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can have a devastating impact on physical and mental health. If you are concerned that your child or adolescent may have an eating disorder, it is important to seek professional help immediately. With early diagnosis and treatment, most people with eating disorders can recover and go on to live healthy, fulfilling lives.

Eating Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence: 4th Edition

by Linda Fairley

4.8 out of 5