Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious and complex conditions that can affect children and adolescents. Here are some of the most common eating disorders, along with their definitions, signs and symptoms, causes, and treatment options:

Anorexia Nervosa 

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, leading to severe restriction of food intake and significant weight loss. Individuals with anorexia often have a distorted body image and see themselves as overweight even when they are underweight.

Signs and Symptoms include extreme weight loss, refusal to maintain a healthy weight, fear of gaining weight, distorted body image, and excessive exercise. Other symptoms may include dizziness, fatigue, and irregular menstruation in females.

The exact cause of anorexia is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Pressure to be thin, perfectionism, and low self-esteem are common contributing factors.

Treatment typically involves a combination of medical care, nutritional counseling, and therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to address distorted thoughts and behaviors related to food and body image. Family-based therapy can also be effective, especially for adolescents. Medications can be prescribed to help treat co-occurring conditions such as depression and anxiety. 

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa involves a cycle of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging (vomiting, laxative use), fasting, or excessive exercise to prevent weight gain.

Signs and Symptoms include frequent episodes of binge eating, feeling out of control during binges, purging behaviors, and a preoccupation with body weight and shape. Physical signs may include swollen salivary glands, dental erosion, and gastrointestinal problems.

Causes of bulimia nervosa are similar to anorexia as it is influenced by genetic, biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Stress, poor self-esteem, and societal pressure to be thin can contribute to the development of bulimia.

Treatment often involves a combination of psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and medication. CBT is commonly used to address the underlying thoughts and behaviors associated with bulimia. Medications such as antidepressants may also be prescribed to help manage symptoms.

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food in a short period of time, accompanied by a feeling of loss of control and distress.

Signs include eating large amounts of food rapidly, eating when not hungry, eating alone due to embarrassment, and feelings of guilt or shame after eating. Unlike bulimia, individuals with binge eating disorder do not regularly use compensatory behaviors.

The causes of binge eating disorder are similar to those of other eating disorders and include genetic, biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Emotional stress, trauma, and a history of dieting can contribute to the development of binge eating disorder.

Treatment typically involves psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and sometimes medication. CBT and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are commonly used to address the emotional and behavioral aspects of binge eating disorder. Medications such as antidepressants may also be prescribed to help manage symptoms.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

ARFID is characterized by a persistent failure to meet appropriate nutritional and/or energy needs, leading to significant weight loss, nutritional deficiency, dependence on enteral feeding or oral nutritional supplements, and/or marked interference with psychosocial functioning.

Signs include avoidance or restriction of food intake based on sensory characteristics (e.g., texture), lack of interest in eating, or concern about aversive consequences of eating (e.g., choking). This disorder can lead to significant weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.

The causes of ARFID are not well understood but may include genetic, biological, and psychological factors. Sensory sensitivities, anxiety, and a history of negative experiences with food can contribute to the development of ARFID.

Treatment typically involves a combination of medical care, nutritional counseling, and therapy. Occupational therapy and exposure therapy may be used to help individuals gradually increase their food intake and address concerns regarding food textures and fears of eating certain foods. Medications may be used to help manage co-occurring anxiety. 

Eating disorders in children and adolescents can be extremely worrisome for families. With proper treatment and family support, children can develop healthier habits and regain a sense of well-being. 

Make an appointment if you are concerned your child may have an eating disorder, or if already diagnosed, to discuss treatment options.