Childhood is a minefield of growing pains, but add an eating disorder and this carefree stage of life can quickly turn obsessive and extreme. Sadly, the frequency with which eating disorders are affecting the 12-and-under set is alarming. Elizabeth Peterson, M.D., a pediatrician with Marshall Pediatrics, gives parents a glimpse into this complex world.
CATEGORIES
The mental health community recognizes four categories of eating disorders. Of these, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder are the most common, with a fourth, called eating disorder NOS (or ?not otherwise specified?), for afflictions with symptoms that don?t meet the full diagnostic criteria of the above. In self-starvation mode, those with anorexia go to extreme measures?exercising excessively, using laxatives, vomiting and refusing to eat?to lose dramatic amounts of weight (an emaciated appearance is not uncommon). Bulimia sufferers, on the other hand, are often of normal weight, even overweight, complicating identification and diagnosis. After rapid bouts of overeating, bulimics vomit, exercise vigorously or use laxatives to purge. Like bulimics, binge eaters consume vast quantities of food quickly, but they don?t purge. By no means are these conditions mutually exclusive?many kids alternate between them.
CAUSES
Eating disorders strike all ethnic groups, socioeconomic levels, ages and genders. ?It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of individuals with eating disorders are boys,? Dr. Peterson notes. While cultural cues stressing unrealistic expectations of thinness?reinforced by scads of positive attention, and more often than not, it seems, multi-million-dollar endorsements and reality TV shows?have and continue to contribute to the rise of eating disorders among youth, there is no smoking gun, per se. A confluence of biological, emotional and social influences all play a role in how they develop. There are, however, commonalities among kids with eating disorders that the medical community identifies as common: perfectionist tendencies, low self-esteem, impulsivity, a lack of coping skills, perceived expectation of high achievement, psychological and emotional problems, familial issues and genetics. ?Children whose family members have eating disorders are 6 to 10 times more likely to develop one as well,? Dr. Peterson explains, adding that athletes involved with sports emphasizing body type (think gymnastics, wrestling, bodybuilding, etc.) are also at increased risk for developing an eating disorder.
COMPLICATIONS
These afflictions wreak physical havoc. ?There are many short- and long-term dangers of eating disorders in children and teens,? Dr. Peterson says. ?The mortality rate for eating disorders is higher than any other mental illness. Eating disorders can negatively impact growth, which affects final adult height. Even worse, related starvation, dehydration and electrolyte balances can damage the heart, brain, liver, kidneys, intestines and muscles. Serious heart arrhythmias, heart failure, osteoporosis and esophageal tears are some of the medical complications associated with eating disorders.? Emotionally, the penalty is equally distressing. Children and teens with eating disorders are in emotional pain and have difficulty negotiating challenges in their own lives. Thus, they are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Despite some overlap, the signs that a child might have an eating disorder vary depending on the condition, but look for obvious indicators like dramatic weight change over a short period of time, an obsession with food, and rigid diet and exercise routines. Loss of interest and mental clarity, as well as irregular mood, might also indicate cause for concern. Physical manifestations could include dry skin and hair, swollen salivary glands, fatigue and lightheadedness, loss of menstrual cycle, and throat and chest pain.
COPING
Hope starts at home. Families who eat together can help protect kids from developing an eating disorder, as can reinforcing healthy attitudes about body image and eating, and modeling behaviors accordingly. ?Children learn from watching us,? Dr. Peterson says. ?If we are frequently focusing on dieting and body shape, they will too. Encourage healthy nutrition and exercise?not a particular body shape?and being healthy, strong and energetic.? If concerned, consult with a physician and mental health expert specializing in eating disorders to determine the best course of treatment. ?
FACILITY FOCUS
Giving hope to those suffering from eating disorders is the goal of Sacramento-based treatment facility, Summit Eating Disorders and Outreach Programs (sedop.org), which offers intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization options to patients of all ages struggling with anorexia, bulimia or binge eating disorder, while also administering to the needs of their families.
?Part of what makes Summit unique is the medical supervision on-site, as well as the collective experience of its diverse staff,? says Executive Director Jennifer Lombardi, M.F.T., who battled and recovered from an eating disorder. ?Summit?s multidisciplinary approach includes having a diverse team of medical and psychiatric professionals, as well as dieticians and activity instructors, working collaboratively to provide the best care possible to our patients.? Shockingly, this includes the very young?once, a 7-year-old. For youth, a specifically conceived program incorporates school support services from a credentialed teacher, as well as art, music, movement and cooking, ?to ensure that kids and teens have the opportunity to use different mediums to express their thoughts and feelings, as well as to identify new coping strategies,? Lombardi explains.
Drawing on her own firsthand experience, Lombardi is in a unique position to share: ?I will always remember the sense of shame and fear that accompanied my illness. Imagining the type of care we would want for a loved one motivates us to do whatever necessary to support patients, family members and friends.?
Article by Jenn Thornton?? Family Health & Wellness Magazine published by?Style Media Group.
Article appears in the November/December 2012 Issue of Family Health & Wellness Magazine.
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Source: http://familyhw.com/2012/11/dying-to-be-thin-kids-and-eating-disorders/
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