It is extremely difficult to identify behaviors of Anorexia Nervosa in our youth when adults are preoccupied with uncontrollable life stressors.

Therefore, I am going to share with you the causes, symptoms, and the treatments for adolescent Anorexia.

As a parent, you are most likely watching the behaviors of your child on a daily basis regardless of their age.  You assume that if your children are struggling you would be the first person to notice unhealthy patterns. The truth is that most parents become in denial of when their children are not doing well. Parents desperately want their children to succeed, and leading them to push their children to achieve unrealistic goals.  Parents often force these goals without taking note on how the pressure can affect their children.

As a parent, you must understand the facts and signs of Anorexia Nervosa.

CAUSES

Have you ever told your child repeatedly that they need to exercise and eat less in a criticizing tone? Have you modeled to your children that body image is important in life by obsessively focusing on your own body? Often parents play a huge role in setting off triggers that cause eating disorders to occur without even knowing it. As children begin to discover their own identity, they are taught explicit messages in our culture that outward appearances are valued more than the inward characteristics of people. They begin to be judged by their peers, their community, and even their family. Children are heavily influenced by how they are perceived by other people and when they feel rejected because of their body, they begin to abuse or control their intake of food. When a child’s body is violated due to rape, molestation, or exploitation, they often identify eating as a way to have some form of control of their bodies. Some women binge eat to become obese in hopes for men to no longer want to touch her. Other women refuse to intake enough calories to maintain one thing in their lives.

SYMPTOMS

When signs and symptoms begin to emerge, it is a normal reaction for parents to become concerned. Teens facing anorexic behaviors will begin to experience different emotions around food, will see their own bodies as distorted images, and usually will hide these thoughts from their families and friends.

Parents should watch out for physical symptoms such as extreme weight loss, fatigue, dizziness, loss of nails and hair, absence of menstruation, constipation, low blood pressure, dehydration, and osteoporosis. Additionally, look out unusual behaviors such as obsessive exercise, repeated weighing of their body, avoiding meals, and thought distortions about being fat when they are too thin. Teenagers struggling with Anorexia typically strive for perfectionism and high achievements. On the other hand, they tend to also have low self-esteem, irrational thinking, and feel it is necessary to control what goes into their bodies.

TREATMENTS

Comprehensive treatments entail symptom relief as well as assisting to control the unhealthy eating behaviors. Psychotherapists, such as myself, utilize individual and family therapy with cognitive-behavioral approaches. It would also benefit your child if parents seek out referrals to support groups, collaborate with the primary care physicians, nutritionists, and the psychiatrists if children are taking psychotropic medications. Be aware that co-occurring disorders are at risk to emerge as a result of Anorexia Nervosa. Regardless of the children’s ages, they might face co-occurring alcoholism, abuse and dependence of stimulants, anxiety, or depression. Additional treatments for each co-occurring diagnoses are readily available. The length and intensity of treatments will be dependent upon the presenting problems and observed symptoms. The good news is that if you and your children start treatments immediately, avoidance of permanent damage to the their bodies is possible. Unfortunately, there have been fatal outcomes reported. Intervene immediately to save the lives of your children. Treatment will require ongoing family support.

Do not give up. Professional help is only a phone call away for your child!

For Immediate Help call (760) 458-1600 or Book an Appointment TODAY for a Complimentary Session.

For more information on receiving help for Anorexia Nervosa out the Resources Page.