Introduction
Food conditions include a broad range of symptoms, from slightly abnormal eating behaviors to life-threatening persistent illness. It may be difficult to distinguish unusual eating habits from clinically relevant eating disorders because of the very diverse cultural dietary expectations and personal tastes, as well as the reality that dieting behavior is highly normal (Westmoreland et al., 2016). The writers of this report concentrate on the clinical presentation, epidemiology, and prognosis of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and eating disorders that are not otherwise defined.
Causes
An eating disorder is not caused by a single factor. Experts attribute eating disorders to a variety of causes, including family dynamics, social distress, and biology. The adolescent will have poor self-esteem and be obsessed with maintaining an ideal body weight (Martz & Rogers, 2016). Occasionally, participation in an activity such as dance, gymnastics, or athletics, which promotes leanness, is correlated with eating disorders in adolescents. According to one review, anorexia is associated with a fixation on perfectionism — anxiety about making errors, having strong personal goals, and facing parental disapproval and scrutiny(O’Brien et al., 2017).
Symptoms
- Constipation
- Hair loss
- Insomnia
- Altered body image
- Frequent weighing
- Dental cavities
- Tooth enamel erosion
- Hyperactivity
- Meals skipping
Teens suffering from eating disorders frequently deny that anything is wrong. They might be temperamental, nervous, or depressed(Westmoreland et al., 2016). They can withdraw from friends and develop an intolerance for criticism(Santomauro et al., 2021). The issue occurs when parents are unaware of these signs or the adolescent conceals them, much as trauma, insecurities, depression, or low self-esteem can contribute to the disorder’s onset.
Treatment
While eating disorders are difficult to manage, they are treatable. A variety of therapies, including cognitive-behavioral modification and antidepressant medication, can be used to support adolescents resolve bulimia. Cognitive-behavioral treatment assists with changing attitudes and mental states by recognizing and replacing faulty thoughts (Hart et al., 2018). Treatment for anorexia often entails nutritious feeding, medical supervision, and psychiatric counseling.
References
Hart, S., Marnane, C., McMaster, C., & Thomas, A. (2018). Development of the “Recovery from Eating Disorders for Life” Food Guide (REAL Food Guide) – A food pyramid for adults with an eating disorder. Journal of Eating Disorders, 6(1). Web.
Martz, D., & Rogers, C. (2016). Understanding and treating women’s body image and eating disorders. North Carolina Medical Journal, 77(6), 426-429. Web.
O’Brien, K., Whelan, D., Sandler, D., Hall, J., & Weinberg, C. (2017). Predictors and long-term health outcomes of eating disorders. PLOS ONE, 12(7), e0181104. Web.
Santomauro, D., Melena, S., Mitchison, D., Vos, T., Whiteford, H., & Ferrari, A. (2021). The hidden burden of eating disorders: An extension of estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The Lancet Psychiatry, 8(4), 320-328. Web.
Westmoreland, P., Krantz, M., & Mehler, P. (2016). Medical complications of anorexia nervosa and bulimia. The American Journal of Medicine, 129(1), 30-37. Web.