Five signs your child might be suffering from an eating disorder

Eating disorders are illnesses severely affecting individual’s eating habits, body weight and mental health. Despite differences in the way eating disorders can affect individuals, there are a few tell-tale signs to suggest your child may be suffering from such an illness.

1. Skipping meals

Eating disorders can result in abnormal and irregular eating patterns. Individuals suffering from eating disorders can become self-critical, obsessed with food, exercise excessively, take laxatives and frequently skip meals. If you notice your child is beginning to miss meals or is significantly reducing their food intake, it’s recommended you speak to an expert in the field of adolescent psychiatry.

2. Rapid weight loss

One of the most obvious and physically noticeable symptoms of an eating disorder is extreme weight loss. If your child begins to lose excessive weight, speaking to a specialist is advised to ensure your child can receive the correct and proper treatment.

3. Extreme fluctuations in mood

Eating disorders reflect an imbalance between the health of an individual’s mind and body. If your child has extreme fluctuations in mood and is particularly self-critical, it’s important to address these issues of poor self-esteem. Positive words, constructive encouragement and affirmations can help. If your child’s mood continues to remain out of balanced and their weight significantly changes, speaking to a professional is advised to effectively address any eating disorders that your child may be experiencing.

4. Irregular attitudes to body weight

Eating disorders can often lead to self-denial where an individual believes they are overweight when in reality they are underweight. If you notice your child begins to develop irregular and irrational attitudes towards their body weight, it’s important to take such comments of self-critique seriously through clinical advice and counselling.

5. Depression

Eating disorders can lead to individual’s becoming depressed. If your child appears to be showing any of the aforementioned symptoms and seems to be suffering from depression, accessing support systems is advised in order to effectively treat your child’s issues.
Eating disorders are serious illnesses and require professional help. Thinking Families based in Paddington, Queensland can offer advice, guidance and treatment that is needed to help people suffering from eating disorders. Owner Glenn Munt has expertise treating eating disorders for adolescents as well as over 30 years’ experience in Adolescent Psychiatry. If you are at all concerned, contact Thinking Families to ensure your child receives the treatment and support they need.