Eating disorders in children can make it difficult to establish a nutritional routine and negatively affect communication between the child and the family. Eating disorders in children and infants can also prevent communication between the child and the parent and the reception and interpretation of mutual signals. Since this interaction process forms the basis of the emotional bond between the child and the parent, these eating disorders should not be ignored.
What are the Types of Eating Disorders?
There are many types of eating disorders. Anorexia nervosa is the most common among eating disorders and is usually characterized by the person starving themselves for long periods of time due to fear of gaining excessive weight. In this case, no matter how much weight they lose, the person always perceives themselves as overweight and exhibits various behaviors for weight loss. Bulimia nervosa is a common type among eating disorders. In this disease, there are also serious disorders related to the person's own body image and they struggle with abnormal food desires along with the fear of gaining excessive weight. Unlike anorexia nervosa, the person experiences eating attacks and eats like a binge. Following these attacks, they trigger a vomiting reflex and empty their stomach due to anxiety about gaining weight. Pica is another type of eating disorder and is defined as the tendency to eat non-nutritious, non-food items (such as soil or paper) for at least a month. This behavior is often associated with other mental disorders and requires a detailed clinical examination. Purging disorder is defined as an eating disorder in which the food consumed is regurgitated before it passes through the digestive system and this behavior is repeated for at least one month. Avoidant/restricted feeding disorder is a condition based on eating or refusing certain foods, and this type of eating does not consistently meet the person's energy needs. Binge eating disorder is characterized by consuming much more food than normal in a certain period of time and feeling that the person cannot control this behavior.
What Causes Eating Disorders in Children?
Eating disorders in children can occur, especially in the preschool period, due to the impatient, restless and exploratory nature of children. Young children may get bored of having to stand in one place during meal times and may turn to things that interest them during meals. It is normal for children to try to talk to others or show interest in other objects on the table while eating. Eating disorders may be a symptom of children's search for independence. Children may first act by choosing food or not eating to show their independence. Parents may become upset, angry or upset when they notice that their child is not eating. However, reactions such as forcing the child to eat or punishing them may increase the child's reluctance to eat. Everyone has foods that they do not like at certain times but like over time; this is also true for children. Children may like certain foods and not want to eat certain foods. It is important for families to observe the situation when there is a change in their child's eating habits for the early diagnosis of eating disorders.
How Are Eating Disorders Treated in Children?
The treatment of eating disorders varies depending on the type and severity of the disorder. The basis of treatment is a multidisciplinary approach. Nutritional counseling helps to gain healthy eating habits and manage physical effects. Psychotherapy addresses underlying psychological issues and improves emotional well-being. Medication may be used in some cases, but it usually supports other methods. Family cooperation is very important for the treatment of eating disorders in children; families should act in accordance with the child's treatment plan and encourage healthy eating habits. The treatment process requires patience and should be planned according to the needs of each child.
Approach to the Child with an Eating Disorder
Eating disorders in children are important problems that can lead to serious physical and emotional consequences. Eating disorders can cause irreversible health problems such as heart disease, osteoporosis, menstrual irregularities and kidney failure. Communication is important for parents to support their children's eating habits. It is important to encourage healthy eating by establishing open communication about eating habits and body image. Families can help their children with eating disorders adopt a healthy body image by talking constructively about the body image they see on social media. It is necessary to avoid mocking or degrading words and to display appropriate attitudes to strengthen the child's self-esteem. Emphasize that love and acceptance are unconditional, reminding them that a person's value is independent of their appearance.
The Effect of Eating Disorders on Psychology in Children
The early onset of eating disorders in children can lead to more pronounced effects on the body. An eating disorder that emerges at an early age can leave permanent effects on the body that has not fully matured due to inadequate nutrition. Therefore, it is extremely important to regularly observe your child's behavior and eating disorder symptoms and take action quickly when necessary. Such disorders can occur at different times in each individual. What you need to do is to observe your child carefully and not hesitate to seek professional support in any situation that causes concern.
