Psychological Services
Eating Disorders
Many young people find themselves striving for the unrealistic physical 'perfection' depicted in magazines and on TV. Others get involved with sports, where weight can be a major concern, such as wrestling, gymnastics, or cheerleading. In an effort to achieve an idealized and unrealistic self-image, eating disorders can sometimes evolve. While eating disorders can occur at any time, young people seem more susceptible at two particular times: just before or after puberty, and just before or after moving away from home. Major stresses such as divorce or death of a parent, a broken love relationship, or ridicule by others for gaining weight may also trigger eating disorders.
Two common types of eating disorders are anorexia and bulimia. Both disorders share common characteristics: a preoccupation with food and an irrational fear of being fat.
Anorexia is characterized by a dramatic weight loss from self-starvation or severe dieting. Bulimia is characterized by bingeing and purging (excessive overeating followed by forced vomiting or the use of laxatives), with frequent weight gain and loss rather than drastic weight loss. Both disorders have serious health consequences, often require hospitalization, and in severe cases may even result in death.
There are some things you can do to help your child avoid eating disorders:
- Focus as a family on nutrition and exercise, not weight and dieting.
- Be careful when discussing your own weight, you may be surprised to discover how many times you speak negatively of your own appearance.
- Avoid driving your child to excel beyond their capacities.
- If your child begins to diet, find out why.
- Work to help your child feel successful and in control.
- Stay aware of what is going on with your child at home as well as in school.
Signs To Look For If You Suspect Your Child Is Suffering From An Eating Disorder
- Extreme weight change
- Insomnia
- Skin rash and dry skin
- Loss of hair and nail quality
- Dental problems
- Unusual eating habits
- Hyperactivity and compulsive exercising
- Use of laxatives, diuretics, vomit inducers, and diet pills
- Distorted body image and denial
- Inability to think clearly
- Low sense of self-worth and self-control
- Perfectionism
What To Do
Schedule an appointment with your child's doctor for a thorough physical exam.
Provide the doctor with any information concerning any of the above symptoms that you have observed.
Work with your doctor to develop and plan an appropriate treatment plan.
Additional Resources
Kids and Eating Disorders
Famous People with Bulimia
National Eating Disorders Association
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