How to Tell If Your Child Has an Eating Disorder

More than 8 million Americans - 7 million females and one million males - suffer from eating disorders, says the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. Here are other facts on eating disorders you should know:

Signs of Eating Disorders

• Anorexia Nervosa - intense preoccupation with food, weight, diet or exercise; secrecy about eating or dieting; sleep disruption; feeling cold; distorted body image; social withdrawal/moodiness; body weight 15 percent below normal; and irregular menstruation.
• Bulimia Nervosa - usually close to normal weight, but weight may fluctuate; feeling depressed; overly concerned about weight and shape; eating normally in front of others, yet secretly bingeing and purging; guilt about binges; feeling uncomfortable eating in front of others; irregular menstruation; and frequent use of the bathroom after meals.
• Binge Eating - This disorder is similar to bulimia, but it doesn't involve purging after a binge. Symptoms include: frequent eating of large amounts of food in a short time span; eating until uncomfortably full; eating as an escape from anxiety; eating when not hungry; excessively devoting thought to food; irritability after overeating; and no purging after overeating.

What Parents Can Do

• Discuss your concerns with your child, but understand eating disorders first. Work together to find a therapist or suggest therapy options.
• Seek treatment for your child. The earlier the treatment, the better.
• Avoid judging your child negatively. Don't criticize her, since the eating disorder is often symptomatic of other problems.
• Try not to direct guilt and self-blame at your child. Nurture your child by boosting her self-esteem. Instead of pressuring a child to eat, tell her you care and that you'll get through the problem together.
• Be a role model to your children by expressing your feelings responsibly. Express your feelings in a way that's healthy, not harmful.
• Listen, instead of always giving your opinion.
• Realize that you cannot always be the person to solve your child's problem. Professional help may be necessary.
• Get support for yourself as a parent. Talk with other parents, attend support groups and learn to cope with common parenting frustrations.

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