About Eating Disorders – General
Eating Disorders in adolescents can be challenging to identify and treat because there are many different forms that they can take. Eating Disorders affect adolescents in different ways depending upon the type of eating disorder they have. Binge-eating is the most common eating disorder in adolescents although bulimia and anorexia are also common in this age group. It is important to understand that often times eating disorders are associated with other mental disorders. Treatment for eating disorders should be based on the specific teenager.
Teens who are struggling with an Eating Disorder may be experience other mental disorders as well as dealing with issues either among their friends or family. Adolescents who are dealing with eating struggles also have higher rates of substance abuse and depressive disorders. It is important for individuals who are working with these young people to understand that there are many facets to dealing with an individual facing this disorder. Teens who are dealing with an eating disorder may also be facing trouble with their peers because their appearance is not consistent which could cause questions from their friends.
As a parent of an adolescent with one of these Eating Disorders it is important to understand that an eating disorder has no simple fix. Eating disorders may have their roots in biological, sociological, or psychological issues with the adolescent so simply putting the teen on a diet will not fix the situation. It is important for the parent to support their adolescent in working through these issues and establishing healthy eating patterns. Eating disorders associate negativity with food and the adolescent so it is important for the parent to encourage a healthy relationship with food as well as a positive body image for the teenager.