Teenage Eating Disorders: Identifying Signs, Underlying Causes, and Offering Assistance

Adolescent Eating Disturbances: Recognizing Symptoms, Identifying Causes, and Providing Assistance

In today's society, eating disorders are a growing concern, especially among teenagers. These conditions, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), can have serious and long-lasting effects on a teenager's physical and mental health.

Anorexia nervosa is perhaps the most well-known eating disorder. Symptoms include muscle and bone density loss, anemia, brittle nails and hair, dry, yellow skin, growth of fine body hair known as lanugo, constipation, intense fear of increasing weight, highly restricted eating, denial or distorted view of their body, refusal to gain weight or maintain a moderate weight, and self-esteem connected to body shape and weight. ARFID, on the other hand, is characterized by extremely fussy eating, lack of appetite, disinterest in food, feeling ill at mealtimes, fear of choking, weight loss, gastrointestinal issues with no known cause, and a limited range of acceptable foods.

Bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder present different sets of symptoms. Bulimia nervosa symptoms include chronic throat pain or inflammation, swollen salivary glands, dental issues such as pain, worn enamel, and tooth decay, dehydration, acid reflux, gastrointestinal issues, electrolyte imbalance, potentially leading to heart attack or stroke. Binge-eating disorder symptoms include regularly eating a large amount of food in a small amount of time, eating past the point of fullness, eating quickly, frequently trying to diet, experiencing shame relating to eating, and eating while no one else is watching.

Socio-cultural factors, like media and cultural values promoting thinness, may contribute to eating disorder development in teenagers. Biological factors, such as genetics and serotonin levels, may also play a role. Psychological factors, such as the co-occurrence of eating disorders with mental health conditions like mood disorders and OCD, are also relevant. Behavioral factors, such as dieting, may lead to eating disorders. Developmental factors, disturbances to typical childhood development, may increase the risk of someone developing an eating disorder.

Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to reduce the risk of complications and further health conditions. Treatment for eating disorders may include psychotherapy, medication, nutrition counseling, and medical care. Strategies parents can employ at home to help their teen include providing nutritious meals and snacks, discussing the importance of monitoring the body's hunger and fullness signals, practicing nonjudgmental communication and active listening, modeling self-love and acceptance, valuing health over appearance, avoiding criticizing people's body types, involving their teen in grocery shopping and meal selection and preparation.

It is important to remember that an eating disorder is an ongoing dysfunction of eating behavior that can adversely affect physical or mental health. Eating disorders in teenagers can have long-term adverse health effects and may be fatal. If you suspect your teen may have an eating disorder, seek medical assistance immediately.

The psychiatrist who first diagnosed binge-eating disorder in the United States is Dr. Albert Stunkard. Binge-eating disorder is the most common eating disorder doctors have identified in the United States.

In conclusion, understanding eating disorders in teenagers is crucial for early detection and treatment. By recognizing the symptoms, causes, and available treatments, we can help ensure the health and wellbeing of our teenagers.