Anorexia Nervosa in Children and Teens
Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa in children and youth are on the rise. The prevalence of eating disorders in children and teens is particularly hard to obtain because eating disorders are underreported and often misdiagnosed.
Anorexia nervosa does not discriminate. It is an eating disorder that can affect folks of all ages, races, and gender.
Anorexia Nervosa Definition
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex eating disorder that affects a person both physically and mentally. As we often say at Change Creates Change, eating disorders start as a mental health concern and can quickly deteriorate into a physical health concern.
Anorexia Nervosa DSM-5
AN is diagnosed through the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) by a trained clinical professional. There are three characteristics a person must exhibit for a time period of at least three months in order to receive an anorexia diagnosis:
- Restricting energy (food or calorie) intake
- Fear of gaining weight
- Disturbance in the way one’s body, shape, or appearance is seen/experienced.
- For example, thinking they are larger-bodied than they are.
Types of Anorexia Nervosa
There are two subtypes of AN:
- Restricting Type
- Binge/Purge Type
At Change Creates Change, our approach to treatment is always individualized and tailored to each unique person. We focus less on the clinical terminology, and more on the individual affected by the eating disorder. We also believe in having an inclusive, weight-neutral practice. For these reasons, we do not focus on these subtypes in our practice. In fact, you don’t need an eating disorder diagnosis to work with us.
Restricting Subtype
This term is used when folks meet the criteria for AN and are then further classified as living with the restricting subtype of AN. For this subtype, the individual has not engaged in binging or purging behaviours over the past 3 months. Instead, the individual restricts their energy (food or calorie) intake.
Binge-Purge Subtype
This is the term used when a person meets the criteria for AN and are living with the binge-purge anorexia nervosa subtype. In this case, the individual has engaged in binging and purging behaviours in the past 3 months.
Atypical Anorexia
Atypical anorexia is a term you may have heard used by other healthcare providers. At Change Creates Change, we believe this term may be more harmful than good. Atypical anorexia is the diagnosis when folks exhibit the characteristics of AN, however the person’s weight is within or above the ‘average’ weight for their height, age, and gender.
We have always believed in ‘state not weight’, and atypical anorexia is just as serious as any AN diagnosis. All cases of AN should be treated with severity by a team of expert medical professionals.
Can a Child or Teen Have Anorexia?
AN can affect people of any age. Eating disorders do not discriminate, and can affect folks of all ages, weights, shapes, genders, and cultures.
It’s estimated that 1 in 200 female youth develop AN. Younger children are engaging in dieting behaviours more than ever. In Canada, 12-30% of girls between the ages of 10-14 report actively dieting. For boys 10-14 years old, 9-25% report dieting to try to lose weight.
Youth, particularly those who identify as female, are increasingly susceptible to developing eating disorders. Girls aged 14-15 who engage in strict dieting are 18 times more likely to develop an eating disorder in the next 6 months than their peers. 20% of girls between 14-15 who engage in dieting have a 20% risk of developing an eating disorder within the next year.
Signs & Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa
There are common signs and symptoms that show up when a person is living with AN. However, each person is unique and this list is not exhaustive! These are some of the more common signs that your child may be living with anorexia.
Emotional and Mental Symptoms
- Increased irritability
- Trouble concentrating, having a harder time focusing
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Isolating themselves, spending more time alone
- Needing to do things perfectly (also called perfectionism)
Physical Symptoms
- Weight loss or a lack of appropriate weight gain
- Abdominal pain and/or GI (stomach/digestion) pain
- Dizzy, lightheaded
- Feeling cold all the time
- Dressing in many layers, baggy clothing to hide themselves
What Is The Peak Age For Onset of Anorexia Nervosa?
AN typically begins around the same time as puberty. Signs of anorexia commonly begin to show in early teenage years into early adulthood. However, anorexia and all other eating disorders can develop at any age.
The rates of AN and other eating disorders are increasing in children as young as 8 years old. This may be because children are particularly vulnerable to social pressure from their peers and the media.
Anorexia Nervosa Treatment
If you believe your child may be living with AN, we strongly encourage you to seek help as soon as possible. Research shows that early intervention has the best chances of eating disorder recovery.
A multidisciplinary team (more than 2 healthcare providers with different areas of skills) is highly encouraged. Your child will be under the care of a doctor, dietitian nutritionist, and therapist that will work together to best support your child.
At Change Creates Change, we know that recovery is possible. We work with hundreds of families who have children affected by eating disorders. Our expert team of dietitians and therapists are here to help if you need us. To learn more about our team book a free consultation call with us below.
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