There is no doubt that mental health issues have become more visible since the pandemic. In particular, adolescents constitute a particularly vulnerable group to these disorders, among which those related to eating, such as anorexia, bulimia or more recent disorders such as ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), are increasingly common and alarming.
In this article, we will explore in depth How to identify, address and support young people facing eating disorders (ED), delving into warning signs, action strategies for parents, and available resources, integrating valuable research- and expert-based information.
Warning signs of eating disorders in teens
Identifying an eating disorder in its early stages is crucial to recovery. Often, the signs can be subtle and confused with typical teenage changes. However, there are certain red flags that should be heeded:
- Social and family isolation: The young person avoids shared spaces at home, such as the dining room, and prefers to stay in his room. He may also distance himself from his friends.
- emotional disturbances: They are less communicative with their family, more introverted and with changes in character, with apathy, pessimism and even aggression being common.
- Body obsession: They may spend hours looking at themselves in the mirror or avoid seeing their reflection. This is accompanied by critical comments about their appearance and drastic changes in their way of dressing, opting for looser clothing or, in other cases, tighter garments.
- Extreme eating habits: They avoid eating in front of others, skip meals, or otherwise binge eat followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting or using laxatives.
- Differences in social interaction: Some teens stop going out to avoid group meals, while others start going out more frequently to hide behaviors related to the disorder.
- Physical changes: Although not always obvious, significant weight loss or gain, dry skin or hair loss are common indicators.
The role of parents in the treatment of eating disorders
The family plays an essential role in the recovery of a teenager with an eating disorder. Below are practical strategies and tips for parents facing this challenge:
- Avoid hyperfocus on food: Over-monitoring meals can lead to increased resistance. It's better to focus on encouraging healthy habits without putting pressure on them.
- Do not make comments about the physical: Body image is often a triggering and sensitive issue. It is essential to avoid judgments or comparisons.
- Foster a positive family environment: Doing activities as a family helps to strengthen emotional ties and reduce the young person's isolation.
- Patience and persistence: An eating disorder takes time to overcome. Parents should show empathy and not expect immediate results.
- Consult with specialists: Seeking guidance from psychologists, dieticians and doctors specializing in eating disorders is crucial to establishing an appropriate treatment plan.
- Promote a healthy relationship with food: Sharing a full daily meal as a family without technological distractions is an essential step in reducing tensions around food.
Treatments and therapeutic approaches
Treatment for an eating disorder should be comprehensive and personalized, taking into account the unique characteristics of each adolescent. The most effective approaches include:
Psychotherapy
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This approach helps teens identify and change distorted thinking patterns related to eating and body image.
Family-Based Treatment: Parents and siblings become actively involved in the recovery, helping the young person reestablish healthy eating habits.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Useful in cases of extreme behavior, it teaches emotional skills to deal with triggering situations.
Nutritional education
A registered dietitian provides personalized meal plans, gradually reintroducing foods and teaching nutrition basics to promote a healthy relationship with food.
Medical treatment
Medical supervision is key, especially if the TCA has caused complications such as electrolyte imbalances, heart problems, or nutritional deficiencies.
Residential or Hospital Programs
In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to stabilize the adolescent's health. He or she will then be placed in outpatient day treatment programs.
Resources and tools to promote recovery
In addition to clinical treatments, there are additional resources that can support the recovery process:
- Support groups: Associations such as the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) offer community support for both teens and their families.
- Educational material: Books and practical guides on eating disorders help families better understand the situation and how to approach it in an empathetic manner.
- Social media with a purpose: Although they often pose a risk, some platforms have supportive communities that promote healthy habits.
Addressing an eating disorder in adolescents is a challenge that requires empathy, knowledge, and joint action by family and specialists. By creating an emotionally supportive environment and working with experts, it is possible to foster recovery and help the young person rebuild a positive relationship with food and their body image.