The incidence of eating disorders among teens is rapidly increasing, and
the dangerous and harmful effects of suffering from these problems are
among the most significant risks our teens face. In the past few columns,
I have identified the various forms eating disorders take, the data in
regards to them and some of the factors which are the root causes for
developing such a devastating problem. In this article, I will focus on
how to recognize the problem in your teen, the signs/symptoms and where
to turn for assistance.
Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms
The most obvious and primary symptom teens will initially exhibit is obsessive
concern with their weight and food intake, and great attention to weight
loss, dieting and excessive control of what foods they will eat. They
will begin to eliminate foods they are willing to eat, be uncomfortable
eating around others, will skip meals, will eat very little of what is
offered to them and will be clued in to all the dieting fads, often experimenting
with one after another. They may become obsessed with the health value
of various foods.
It is important to remember that eating disorders are really about the
obsession of weight and food, and the behaviors related to food intake
are the behavioral manifestations of those obsessions. They will constantly
monitor their weight and have extreme concern with their body size and
shape, often checking themselves out frequently in the mirror. Their comments
about themselves will be extremely negative, and they will magnify even
the slightest impairment. Their mood may change, and they will become
increasingly sad, depressed, anxious and ashamed, sinking into feelings
of very low self-esteem. They tend to isolate, and will no longer want
to be around friends that they used to see. They will counter your expressions
of concerns by convincing you that they are actually being healthy in
their approach. As the problems progress, they may skip meals or you may
notice that they have discarded their food when you are not looking. They
very well may make frequent trips to the bathroom. They may take up an
obsession with exercise as a form of “health” or weight control,
fearing about missing even one day.
As parents, we can be seduced, at first, thinking our children are going
down a healthy road of exercising, eating healthy and taking care of themselves.
However, the quality of their choices and the obsessive nature of their
thoughts should be clues that something may be amiss.
Physical Symptoms
Weight loss and/or weight fluctuations will be the most noticeable signs
you will see from your children. They will suffer abdominal pains, stomach
cramps, menstrual irregularities and feelings of fullness or bloating.
Binging and purging will result in dental problems and cuts and calluses
on the hands/fingers, both related to excessive vomiting. They will experience
dry skin and hair, brittle nails, thinning hair and muscle weakness. They
can become dizzy and have fainting spells, and are frequently fatigued.
They will experience sleep problems, dark circles under the eyes and poor
wound healing. As the problems progress, the physical symptoms become
worse and certainly frighten most parents. The effects of eating disorders
appear extremely dangerous because
they are extremely dangerous.
Steps to Take
If you suspect your child is developing an eating disorder, it is essential
to lovingly confront him or her with what you are observing, to express
concern for his or her well-being and to get qualified help as soon as
possible. A visit with a pediatrician, especially one that is knowledgeable
in eating disorders, is mandatory. Lab results can confirm concerns and
help determine how progressed the problem is. It is also essential to
consult with a mental health professional who has expertise in eating
disorders. Do not hesitate to question someone’s experience and
qualifications. An experienced clinician will have a team of specialists
they consult with including dieticians, psychiatrists, physicians and
treatment programs when necessary.
If your child’s problems are in the early stages, he or she will
benefit from the uncovering of underlying issues related to the problem.
If the eating disorder has progressed significantly, you will likely need
to seek a team approach to care. At that stage, the most important aspect
is that your child is medically followed and monitored.
As always—information is the key. The more you know, the more you
can try to either prevent a problem or recognize it in its early stages.
It is important to take the matter very seriously. Eating disorders are
not just a phase, and they are not just a harmless choice.
Remember, if you have issues you would like to see addressed, please email me at
askdrgelbart@gmail.com.
Moe Gelbart, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Thelma McMillen Center