Making the decision to begin eating disorder treatment for your child or adolescent is rarely easy. Is it the right choice for your son or daughter? There may be more questions for you right now than answers, but with the right input you can make a decision with confidence.
Eating Disorder Signs Can Spur Decision to Seek Treatment
Only a qualified professional can make a solid eating disorder diagnosis, but you can make yourself familiar with the outward signs of eating disorders. First, do you know the signs that indicate an eating disorder may be present? Symptoms differ for anorexia nervosa, bulimia and binge-eating disorder. Remember that seeing signs is not the same as making a diagnosis, which is the job of a qualified professional, but you can get a better idea about whether the behaviors in question are of concern.
Has your child's weight dropped a lot? Do you find food wrappers hidden in her room? Is she eating with noticeably less variety? Have you noticed that your adolescent leaves the table and immediately goes to the bathroom after every meal? Do you notice that she (or he) hasn't been doing any of the normal activities that held her interest a few months ago? Are there diet pills missing from your medicine cabinet?
What does your child talk about? That can give you a clue as to the kinds of thoughts that are occurring. Does your son drop comments about how many calories are in carrots or describe many foods as "fattening"? Does he make more negative comments about his appearance?
These are only a handful of the signs of eating disorders. Each type of eating disorder carries specific behaviors and symptoms. Investigate the potential disorders that you're concerned your child may be fighting:
All of these signs may be indicators of an eating disorder, but you'll still want to get more information, including input from both your child and an eating disorder professional, before beginning treatment.
Bring Your Concerns to Your Child Before Deciding on Eating Disorder Treatment
You may worry that you'll stir up trouble by bringing up the subject of food and eating, but it's respectful to talk directly with the child about your concerns. It will probably feel awkward, so it makes sense to prepare yourself with what to say and what not to say to a person who may have an eating disorder.
This conversation may help to set your next direction. At the very least, you'll know more about your daughter or son's thoughts. That's information you can take to your next stop.
Talk with an Eating Disorder Treatment Provider to Get a Clinical View
No matter how the conversation with your child goes, consult a qualified professional about the behaviors you're seeing. The clinician can't diagnose your loved one from your reports alone, but this should at least give you an objective opinion.
If the professional you consult agrees that there is concern, or can't convince you that there shouldn't be concern (or the son or daughter has already agreed to be evaluated), make sure your child or adolescent has a thorough physical and psychological evaluation. Tell the professionals involved about why you're seeking their opinions, so that they'll have the possibility of an eating disorder in mind.
