Regular doctor visits are essential to a child’s and teenager’s overall health. These routine checkups are an opportunity to not only chart growth and development, but also to screen for a range of physical and mental health conditions, including eating disorders.
In fact, pediatricians and other primary care providers are often our first line of defense against eating disorders. Well-positioned to monitor ongoing health at well-child visits and other physicals, providers have a unique role in detecting and addressing any issues with food and body. Early identification of eating disorder symptoms can help prevent and interrupt the development of these serious disorders.
Eating disorder screening and intervention is particularly important for children and teens, as onset of these disorders often occurs in adolescence and young adulthood. The physical, emotional, and social changes that accompany this pubescent period can interact with other risk factors to cause an eating disorder in those susceptible.
Eating disorders are the third most common chronic illness among adolescents, and roughly 3% of adolescents ages 13-18 are diagnosed with one. Though these illnesses affect people across the lifespan, research suggests that the vast majority originate in younger years. A ten-year study conducted by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) showed that 86% of those with an eating disorder reported onset before the age of 20. Of that 86%:
Symptoms often worsen as eating disorders take root, leading to significant, potentially life-threatening consequences. According to research, people with anorexia between the ages of 15 and 24 are 10 times more likely to die than their peers.
Eating disorders are treatable, however—at any age. And the earlier the treatment, the better the outcome. Early detection in children and teenagers can reduce the severity of symptoms and promote normal growth and development.
Children and teenagers may exhibit signs similar to those in adults with eating disorders, as well as some unique to their age.
Look for these signs and symptoms in your patients:
In addition to screening for physical signs, learn about the patient’s eating habits by inviting discussion with the child and/or parent. Indications of the following behaviors may signal a larger problem:
If you suspect your patient is struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating, continue the conversation. Ask the patient (and/or their parent) the following questions:
Two or more “yes” answers strongly indicate the presence of disordered eating. Refer these patients to an eating disorder specialist for a more comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
To refer your patient to The Emily Program, please call 1-888-364-5977 or complete our online referral form. We will contact your patient within one business day and connect them with an Admissions Specialist who will guide them through screening and intake.
Pediatricians and other primary care providers play a critical role in eating disorder detection and intervention. By including this screening in regular checkups, you can reduce the serious impact of these disorders on a child’s or teenager’s overall health and quality of life.
References
Golden, N., Katzman, D., Kreipe, R., Stevens, S., Sawyer, S., Rees, J., et al. (2003). Eating disorders in adolescents: Position paper of the Society for Adolescent Medicine. Journal of Adolescent Health, 33(6), 496-503.
Patino-Fernandez, A.M. (2013) Eating disorders: Anorexia and bulimia nervosa. In M. Gellman & Turner, J.R. (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Behavioral Medicine. New York, NY: Springer.
Swanson, S. A., Crow, S. J., Le Grange, D., Swendsen, J., & Merikangas, K. R. (2011). Prevalence and correlates of eating disorders in adolescents. Results from the national comorbidity survey replication adolescent supplement. Archives of General Psychiatry, 68(7), 714–723.
Call 888-364-5977 for help now.
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