Eating disorders
What are eating disorders?
Eating disorders are defined by changes in behaviours, thoughts and attitudes to food, eating, weight, or body shape that interfere with a person’s life. Eating disorders are often a way of dealing with underlying personal, emotional and psychological difficulties and often go hand in hand with depression and anxiety. Eating disorders are serious and potentially life threatening.
Estimates suggest that around 9% of the Australian population will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives. Eating disorders can occur in both males and females, although they are more commonly reported among females. Eating disorders can develop at any age, but they often emerge during adolescence and early adulthood. However, it's worth noting that children as young as 7-8 years old have been diagnosed with eating disorders. Eating disorders can have severe physical, psychological, and social consequences. They can impact a child or young person's overall well-being, growth, and development. Early intervention and appropriate treatment are crucial for positive outcomes.
What are some of the most common eating disorders in children and young people?
Anorexia Nervosa which is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, resulting in severe food restriction and excessive weight loss. Individuals with anorexia often have a distorted body image and may engage in restrictive eating, excessive exercise, and other behaviours to maintain a low body weight. Anorexia can lead to significant physical and psychological health complications.
Bulimia Nervosa which involves recurrent episodes of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviours such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or the misuse of laxatives or diuretics. Individuals with bulimia often have an intense preoccupation with body shape and weight. The cycle of bingeing and purging can have negative effects on physical health and emotional well-being.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) which is characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive food consumption, often accompanied by a sense of loss of control and distress. Unlike bulimia, individuals with BED do not regularly engage in compensatory behaviours. BED can lead to weight gain and obesity, as well as psychological distress related to the binge eating episodes.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) which is characterized by the avoidance or restriction of food intake due to sensory sensitivities, fear of adverse consequences, or a lack of interest in eating. Children and young people with ARFID may have limited food preferences, aversions to certain textures or smells, and difficulties with food-related anxiety. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and inadequate weight gain in growing individuals.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED) includes eating disorders that do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for anorexia, bulimia, or BED. It encompasses a range of disordered eating behaviours and patterns that still cause significant distress or impairment in functioning.
Eating disorders often involve complex psychological, social, and biological factors. Early intervention, comprehensive assessment, and a multidisciplinary and collaborative treatment approach involving medical, nutritional, and psychological support are vital for children and young people with eating disorders. Clinicians at The Younger Years can help you navigate a multidisciplinary treatment approach.
Some common treatment components are:
Medical Management:
Depending on the severity of the eating disorder and its physical consequences, medical management may be necessary. This includes regular monitoring of vital signs, addressing any nutritional deficiencies, and managing any complications related to the disorder.
Nutritional Rehabilitation:
Working with a registered dietitian experienced in eating disorder treatment is crucial. They can create an individualized meal plan to restore proper nutrition, help normalize eating behaviours, and support healthy weight gain or maintenance.
Psychotherapy:
Various forms of psychotherapy are effective in treating eating disorders in children and young people. These may include:
Family-Based Treatment (FBT) also known as the Maudsley Approach, involves active involvement of parents or caregivers in guiding their child's eating and weight restoration. The focus is on helping parents regain control over their child's eating until the child can gradually take over.
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs related to body image, food, and weight. It also focuses on developing coping skills, problem-solving strategies, and relapse prevention.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) incorporates elements of CBT with a focus on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills. It can be helpful for individuals with eating disorders who also struggle with emotional dysregulation or self-destructive behaviours.
Psychiatric Medication:
In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. Medication is typically used in conjunction with therapy and is prescribed by a psychiatrist experienced in treating eating disorders.
It's important to remember that early intervention is key to successful treatment outcomes. Seeking help from healthcare professionals who specialize in eating disorders, particularly those experienced in working with children and young people, is crucial. The treatment plan should be individualized to meet the specific needs of the child or young person and involve ongoing monitoring and support.
Please reach out to us and book an appointment with our experienced psychologists for further help.