Unfortunately, despite there being more resources and information about eating disorders available to teens, teachers and parents, this is still an issue which impacts many American teens. Some children as young as eight have developed eating disorders, however, eating disorders usually develop between the ages of thirteen and seventeen. Eating disorders are characterized by extremes in eating behaviors or when someone is on a diet that just goes on and on.
There is no clear cause for an individual developing an eating disorder, however, there are some Risk Factors which increase one's chances of developing an eating disorder:
1. Adolescence itself is a risk factor because of the significant changes that take place in one's body during this time. In adolescent girls it is very normal to gain body fat during puberty which can result in girls feeling like they do not fit in with what a teenage girl is supposed to look like according to the media.
2. Teens also face a lot of emotional stress related to school pressure, peer pressure and a general sense of feeling very uncertain and out of control with all the changes they are experiencing. Sometimes, these individuals will work to control their food as a result and as a way of helping them feel in control.
3. Another risk factor is an individual going through puberty at a younger than average age. For these individuals, the changes in their bodies can be even scarier because they are not seeing others change in the same way. They may restrict food excessively in an effort to stop their bodies from developing further.
4. Teens who are involved in athletics, dancing, etc. are at increased risk because they are often concerned that the changes in their bodies will impact their overall performance.
5. Teens living in homes where there is abuse, substance abuse or poor communication are at increased risk for developing an eating disorder. Often times these teens will restrict food as a way of feeling more in control or they will turn to food for comfort which may result in binge eating.
6. Teens living in homes where there is excessive pressure to succeed are also at increased risk for developing eating disorders. It is completely acceptable for parents to push their children to work hard and have goals, however, when this push is excessive and extreme, teens can begin to feel out of control and like they are failing which results in their trying to gain some control through food.
The above list is not exhaustive but does outline some of the risk factors which may make a teen more likely to develop an eating disorder. The two most common types of eating disorders called Anorexia Nervosa ("Anorexia") and Bulimia Nervosa ("Bulimia"). Below are some common characteristics of each:
Anorexia Nervosa: is characterized by individuals being obsessed with being thin. Individuals with Anorexia have an extreme fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. This means that regardless of how thin they are, they still view their body as being too big. Individuals with Anorexia are very noticeably thin. These individuals have behaviors which may include restricting food, fasting, obsessively counting calories, exercising excessively, using diet pills or laxatives or vomiting after eating. Individuals with Anorexia do not eat enough to allow their body to function properly.
Health Risks Associated with Anorexia Nervosa: there are many health risks associated with not feeding the body enough food. These include:
o Lowered blood pressure and pulse
o Brittle hair and nails
o Lightheadedness or fainting
o Swollen joints
o Low temperature
o Loss of hair on the head
o Depression
o Lanugo - the growth of soft furry hair on the face, back and arms
o Slow or stunted growth
o Menstrual periods stop
Bulimia Nervosa: is characterized by individuals binge eating (eating a lot of food even when not hungry) and then purging or engaging in excessive exercise following binge eating. Individuals with Bulimia have a distorted body image and may actually appear to be of a healthy weight or even slightly overweight. Individuals must be binging and purging regularly to be diagnosed with this eating disorder. Often times individuals will eat secretly because they are ashamed of their inability to control how much they are eating.
Health Risks Associated with Bulimia Nervosa: there are many health risks associated with eating excessively and then purging. Some of these include:
o Stomach pain
o Permanent damage to the stomach and kidneys
o Irregular menstrual cycles
o Dehydration
o Swollen face
o Sore Throat
o Dry, flaky skin
o Electrolyte problems
o Low potassium levels
o Heart arrhythmias
o Tooth decay
o If gaining too much weight could develop diabetes or heart disease
Treatment:
Obviously the health risks are great and professional help is necessary if you believe your teen has an eating disorder. Treatment usually involves a combination of a medical doctor, a therapist and a dietitian or nutritionist who work together to address the eating disorder. If a teen has anorexia, the first step will be to work with them to get them back to a healthy weight where they are medically stable and safe. Medically a doctor will check height, weight and may also run an EKG or check the body's chemicals to make sure they are at health levels. The medical doctor will work in conjunction with a nutritionist to discuss healthy eating, vitamin supplements if needed and to make sure healthy eating becomes part of someone's lifestyle. Therapy is an extremely important component in the treatment of eating disorders because there is an emotional component to the issue related to self esteem and body image which needs to be addressed. In addition, there may be a co-occurring mental health issue which can be assessed by a trained therapist. Very often family therapy occurs along with individual therapy which can help family members better understand the issue and ways in which they can help support the treatment process.
The treatment of eating disorders can be a slow process but is critical to both the physical and emotional well being of an individual. If you believe your teenager has an eating disorder you should first seek medical attention as soon as possible. There are many talented therapists who specialize in working with teens and in working with eating disorders who can be located through physicians or by researching them on the internet. You and your teen have a right to "interview" your treatment providers to make sure you find individuals who you feel are a good fit for you which will increase the success of the treatment process.
As a parent, it is important that you also have support for yourself during this time of worry and confusion. You will be working closely with your child's treatment team but should also make sure you have your own support network during this challenging time which may include close friends or family, a therapist, a coach or a group where you can take time to just focus on yourself. Making sure that you stay healthy (both emotionally and physically) is also critical to your child's treatment process.
For more information on Life Coaching or coaching for parents please visit [http://elite-life-coaching.com] or email Karen@elite-life-coahing.com
My name is Karen Vincent. I am a Certified Life Coach as well as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a Masters Degree from Boston University. I have worked with teenagers / adolescents and their parents for the last 15 years in a variety of settings, including outpatient therapy, specialized schools, and in the home.
I have developed and conducted numerous parenting classes and support workshops specific to parents of teens. I have also created and presented training for professional staff including teachers, therapists and counselors who work with adolescents in Massachusetts, Connecticut and in New York City.
In my work, I partner with parents (usually through phone calls) who are experiencing difficulties in connecting with their teenage children and who are struggling to manage social, emotional or behavioral issues which arise during the teenage years. Through working with me, parents are able to:
• work through any self doubt they are having about their parenting
• develop action plans for addressing their areas of concern
• develop new ways of parenting their teens effectively
• discover new ways of connecting effectively with their teens
• eliminate sleepless nights and worries while Restoring Peace of Mind During the Teenage Years
Please call for a free Coaching Consultation: 774-245-7775
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