Eating disorders

Do you suspect that your child is suffering from an eating disorder? Anorexia, binge eating disorder or binge eating disorder are serious illnesses that need to be treated. A disorder often begins during puberty. The consequences can range from severe organ damage to a fatal outcome. Find out here where you can find professional help if your child is affected.

Eating disorders usually begin between the ages of 14 and 25, sometimes even earlier. Young girls and women are affected much more frequently than boys and men. Their thoughts often revolve around food for hours on end. The most common eating disorders are anorexia, bulimia (binge eating disorder) and binge eating. But mixed forms also occur.

Eating disorders occur in different forms. A distinction is made between three clinical pictures:

Signs that indicate your child has an eating disorder cannot always be recognized at first glance, as the transitions are often fluid. Warning signs can include:

• Excessive preoccupation with food
• Frequent calorie counting
• A division into "allowed" and "forbidden" foods
• Negative comments about one's own appearance and figure
• Frequent weight checks
• Underweight due to severe weight loss
• Excuses for not having to take part in main meals
• Eating at home
• Increasing focus on performance
• Extreme sporting activities
• Social withdrawal to the point of isolation

The dangerous thing is: eating disorders are often concealed by those affected for a long time. You may therefore not notice that your child has the disorder at first. However, the earlier the disorder is detected, the better the chances of recovery.

A lot of things come together during puberty: It is generally a phase of personal insecurity and self-doubt. Appearance changes dramatically during this time. It may be that the rounder body shapes have a negative impact on your child's eating behavior. People affected by eating disorders often have low self-esteem and a negative attitude towards their body image. Emotional problems can also be a trigger.

Permanent starvation leads to a lack of nutrients. This undersupply can lead to various health problems: These include low blood pressure, fainting spells, low blood sugar levels, hormonal imbalances, menstrual cycle disorders and even the absence of menstruation in girls, kidney dysfunction and cardiac arrhythmia. As the disease usually takes a chronic course, it is important to seek therapeutic help.

If an eating disorder is present, professional help from doctors, psychotherapists and/or psychologists is required, as with other illnesses. As a parent, it is particularly important to look at the issue and address it without accusations. You can support your child and help them to seek and accept medical or therapeutic help through your involvement.
Treatment options primarily include outpatient or (partial) inpatient therapy. For some sufferers, it can also be helpful to attend self-help groups. However, the first step is always to acknowledge your own behavior as an illness and to seek help. As parents, you are particularly important companions in this situation. Keep talking to them and offer your loving support.