It Might Not Be A Phase: How To Tell If Your Teen Has An Eating Disorder
It's not easy being a teenager. Hormones are running rampant and kids are busy trying to figure out where they fit in the world. This is the time when many kids develop depression, anxiety and eating disorders. Teens are at risk for all three issues. You may know when to seek help for your teen who appears to be dealing with depression or anxiety. However, it's not always easy to spot the signs of an eating disorder. Unfortunately, that can mean that many eating disorders to unnoticed until it's too late. If you suspect that your teen has developed an eating disorder, you'll need to get them help as soon as possible. If you're not sure how to identify an eating disorder, here are three signs you should be on the look-out for. If you notice any or all of these signs, it's time to research treatment options for eating disorders.
Unexplained Weight Loss
If your teen appears to be losing weight, and you can find no valid reason for it, there may be an eating disorder involved. Teens often appear to be eating properly at home, but find other ways to reduce their food intake. When that happens, you may notice that they're losing weight quite rapidly. Not only that, but teens often adapt stringent workout routines when they're suffering from an eating disorder, which also increases the weight loss. If your teen is losing weight rapidly, it's time to consult with a doctor.
Changes in Eating Behaviors
Teens are usually pretty predictable when it comes to eating, especially if you watch them often enough. If your teen used to be predictable at meal times, but has recently begun changing, they may be suffering from an eating disorder. This is particularly true if they've begun cutting their food into tiny, bitesize morsels, pushing their food around on the plate more than usual, or using unusual amounts of things like ketchup and mustard. If you've noticed these changes in your teen, an eating disorder may be the culprit.
Bathroom Breaks Soon After Eating
If your teen used to be able to go hours without using the bathroom, but now hunts for one as soon as they're done eating, you may have cause for concern. Teens with eating disorders will often eat regular-sized meals, only to escape to the bathroom to vomit shortly after. This binge-purge behavior is commonly seen in bulimia. If your teen is making a run for the bathroom as soon as they're done with a meal, it's time to get help for them.
Share
