Recognising and Supporting Eating Disorders in Your Child Part 2

As a parent, witnessing your child struggle with an eating disorder can be incredibly distressing. It may leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to help. However, it’s crucial to understand that with the right support, children can make a lasting recovery from their eating disorder, and you, as a parent, can play a pivotal role in their journey towards wellness.

What exactly is an eating disorder? Eating disorders are intricate conditions that lead individuals to develop severely disrupted eating habits. It’s not merely about making dietary changes or attempting to lose a few pounds; eating disorders are profound mental illnesses that can consume a person’s life, affecting not only the individual but also those closest to them. While it’s true that eating disorders are more commonly associated with teenage girls, it’s important to note that anyone, regardless of their gender, age, or background, can be affected. Those suffering from an eating disorder often have an intense preoccupation with their appearance, weight, and body shape, leading to controlling or restricting their food intake. These behaviours can result in a wide range of long-term psychological and physical issues, and in severe cases, they can even be life-threatening.

Eating disorders come in various forms:

1. Anorexia: Individuals with anorexia are fixated on being thin and have an irrational fear of gaining weight, often having a distorted body image where they perceive themselves as fat when they are not. To maintain a low weight, they resort to self-starvation and purging behaviours.

2. Bulimia:** People with bulimia engage in binge-eating episodes followed by purging behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, or excessive exercise. These cycles are driven by an obsessive need to control food intake and can be triggered by stress, anxiety, or hunger. Bulimia can be challenging to detect because the individual often maintains a “normal” weight.

3. Binge Eating Disorder (BED):** Those with BED frequently engage in binge eating, consuming substantial amounts of unhealthy food even when not hungry. Unlike bulimia, they do not engage in purging behaviors and are at risk of becoming obese.

4. Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS): Sometimes referred to as atypical eating disorders, EDNOS may resemble other forms of eating disorders but do not meet the exact criteria for a formal diagnosis.

What are the signs and symptoms of an eating disorder in children? The indicators of eating disorders can vary from person to person and depend on the specific type of eating disorder. However, if you observe a combination of the following signs in your child, it may suggest they have developed or are starting to develop an eating disorder. These signs can be categorized into behavioral, physical, and psychological symptoms.

Behavioral symptoms:

• Compulsive or excessive exercising.

• Unusual behavior around food, such as insisting on using specific cutlery or cutting food into tiny pieces.

• A sudden interest in cooking, yet refusing to eat what they prepare.

• Preferring to eat alone or in secret.

• Wearing loose-fitting clothing.

• Vomiting after eating or immediately visiting the bathroom after meals.

• Consuming large quantities of food without apparent weight gain.

• Frequent self-weighing.

• Social isolation.

Physical symptoms:

• Abnormally low or high weight.

• Long-term weight stagnation (adolescents typically continue to gain weight until around the age of 20).

• Persistent exhaustion.

• Sensation of feeling cold.

• Stomach pains.

• Dizziness or faintness.

• Mouth infections.

• Sensitive or damaged teeth.

• Scars on fingers, knuckles, or the back of the hand from self-induced vomiting.

• Persistent bad breath.

Psychological symptoms:

• An obsession with appearance and how others perceive their body.

• Expressing guilt after eating.

• Experiencing stress during mealtimes.

• Low self-esteem.

• Symptoms of depression and anxiety.

• Occasional outbursts of anger.

• Intense mood swings.

• Insomnia.

• Panic attacks.

• Self-harm tendencies.

• Suicidal thoughts and impulses.

What factors may contribute to your child developing an eating disorder? Several factors can make children more vulnerable to these conditions, including:

• Having a close family member with an eating disorder.

• Pre-existing mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.

• Exposure to stressful life events.

• History of abuse.

• Bullying experiences.

• Academic and social pressures at school.

• Media influence promoting a thin body ideal.

• Engaging in activities where being thin is emphasized, such as dance or athletics.

If you suspect your child is grappling with an eating disorder, here are some steps to consider:

1. Talk to Your Child: Initiate a conversation with your child and inquire about their well-being. Encourage them to open up, even if they don’t want to talk to you directly. Suggest that they confide in someone they trust, like another family member or a teacher. Let them know you’re available to listen and support them.

2. Take Their Concerns Seriously: Even if it’s challenging to comprehend why someone with an eating disorder behaves as they do, it’s essential to acknowledge that their issues around food might appear irrational to you but are genuinely distressing for them. Avoid being critical and take their struggles seriously.

3. Learn About Eating Disorders: Educate yourself about eating disorders to better understand your child’s behavior and recognize warning signs. This also sends a message to your child that you care and are committed to helping them.

4. Limit Discussions About Body and Food: Conversations about dieting, body shape, and weight can be highly sensitive for someone with an eating disorder. Make an effort to steer discussions away from these topics.

5. Seek Professional Help: It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect your child has an eating disorder. Your child may require expert support to prevent the condition from worsening. You can start by speaking with your GP, who may then refer your child for specialized eating disorder treatment. At Priory, our specialists can provide guidance and support, helping your child recover and resume a healthy, happy childhood.

How do you approach a conversation with your child about a sensitive issue like an eating disorder? What strategies have you found effective in providing support while respecting their autonomy and dignity?