Eating disorders

Do you suspect that your child is suffering from an eating disorder? Anorexia, binge eating or binge eating disorder are serious conditions that need to be treated. A disorder often begins during puberty. The consequences can be severe organ damage or even fatal. Learn here where to find professional help if your child is affected.

Eating disorders usually begin between the ages of 14 and 25, sometimes even earlier. Young girls and women are affected significantly more often than boys and men. Thoughts often revolve around the topic of food for hours on end. The most common eating disorders are anorexia, bulimia (binge eating) and binge eating. But mixed forms also occur.

Eating disorders occur in different forms. Three clinical pictures are distinguished:

Signs that point to an eating disorder in your child cannot always be recognized at first glance, as the transitions are often fluid. Warning signs may include:

• Excessive preoccupation with food
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• Frequent calorie counting
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• A division into "allowed" and "forbidden" foods
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• Negative comments about one's appearance and figure
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• Frequent weight checks
• Underweight due to severe weight loss
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• Excuses for not having to attend main meals
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• Homemade meals
• Increasing performance orientation
• Extreme athletic pursuits
• Social withdrawal to the point of isolation

The dangerous thing is: eating disorders are often concealed for a long time by those affected. It may therefore be that you do not notice a disease of your child at first. However, the earlier the disease is detected, the better the prospects of recovery.

A lot of things come together during puberty: It is generally a phase of personal insecurity and self-doubt. During this time, the appearance changes a lot. It may be that the rounder body shapes negatively affect your child's eating behavior. People affected by eating disorders often have low self-esteem and a negative attitude toward their body self-image. Mental health issues can also be triggers.

Permanent starvation leads to nutrient deficiency. This undersupply can result in various health problems: These include low blood pressure, fainting spells, low blood sugar levels, hormonal disturbances, cycle disturbances up to the absence of menstruation in girls, kidney dysfunction and cardiac arrhythmias. Since the disease takes a chronic course in most cases, seeking therapeutic help is important.

If an eating disorder is present, as with other illnesses, professional help is needed from doctors, psychotherapists and/or psychologists. As a parent, it is especially important to look and address the issue without reproach. You can support your child and, through your involvement, help him or her seek and accept medical or therapeutic help.
Treatment options primarily include outpatient or (partial) inpatient therapy services. For some sufferers, it can be helpful to additionally seek out self-help groups. The first step, however, always includes the insight to recognize one's own behavior as an illness and to want to get help. You as parents are particularly important companions in this situation. Always seek the conversation and offer your loving support.