Teen Anorexia Treatment

Teen Anorexia Treatment Articles

Table of Contents
Who Struggles With Anorexia
Causes of Anorexia
The Warning Signs
Co-Occurring Disorders
Anorexia Is Treatable
Outpatient Vs Inpatient
What Happens at Rehab

Anorexia, or anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder in which the individual maintains an irrational fear of weight gain as well as a highly distorted sense of self-image, is one of the deadliest mental health disorders facing teenagers today. Without proper anorexia treatment, this condition can quickly turn a healthy young person into a shadow of his or her former self.

When anorexia is evident in teens, treatment is imperative. Without it, young adults struggling with the disorder will suffer significant weight loss, causing damage to their internal organs. If the body does not receive the nutrients necessary to function properly, organ systems may shut down, causing a variety of serious health problems and even death. The earlier that anorexia treatment is sought, the more likely the patient will be to recovery and heal. Without teen anorexia treatment, young patients may face a lifetime of health problems that may be irreversible.

If you fear that your teen is living with anorexia and you are ready to get him or her the treatment necessary to heal, contact us at Newport Academy today. We can help.

Who Struggles With Teen Anorexia

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Women’s Health (HHS) about 85 to 95 percent of those suffering from anorexia are girls and young women. Defined by more than just a desire to lose weight, those diagnosed with anorexia are literally starving themselves in service of a body image that may or may not be attainable and is definitely not healthy. Many tightly control their food intake in an attempt to feel more in control of other aspects of their lives or to ease the anxiety, fear, anger or tension that they feel in relation to other issues. Even after losing an excessive amount of weight, anorexic patients believe that they have more to lose or continue to view themselves as overweight.

It was once believed that women of color were less likely to develop eating disorders like anorexia because cultural values play a part in the development of the disease, and most cultures are accepting of different body types. However, HHS reports that new research shows that American women of color may struggle with anorexia in an attempt to fit the new cultural standard or the stress of living in two cultures simultaneously.

Causes of Teen Anorexia

No one knows exactly why some young women, girls, and young boys develop anorexia. No single cause has been pinpointed despite years of research. However, there are a number of issues that can lead to the development of anorexia. Classified as a mental disorder, anorexia has both physiological and mental effects and therefore may be caused by a combination of physical and mental issues. According to WomensHealth.gov, these may include:

Anxiety disorder. Either in childhood or a current issue, anxiety disorders can increase the chance that the patient will develop anorexia in an attempt to control the fear and worry.
Social expectations. American women are under constant cultural pressure to conform to a very thin, often unhealthy beauty ideal. The inundation of magazine ads, movies, television and more have permeated every part of the country causing many women to feel inferior if they don’t look like what is projected as an ideal woman – as most don’t.
Stress. Trauma or large changes in life can make some patients feel out of control, pushing them to find a sense of power through tightly controlling food intake.
Family. Patients who have a mother or sister living with anorexia or severe body issues are more likely to develop anorexia.
Genetics. Biology may also affect the predisposition to the development of anorexia.
Low self-esteem. Patients who don’t think well of themselves or are harshly critical of their appearance may be more likely to go to extreme measures to alter their body shape.

The Warning Signs of Teen Anorexia

More so than other eating disorders such as bulimia and binge eating, anorexia nervosa carries with it some very distinct physical signs and symptoms. According to MedLine Plus, parents who believe their child may be suffering from anorexia should be aware of the following warning signs:

Rapid, severe weight loss. Watch for teenagers who were once normal weight or overweight who become very thin very quickly.
A refusal to eat in front of others. Individuals with anorexia do not like to eat in front of friends or family, preferring to consume small amounts of food in isolation.
Binging and purging. On the other side of the coin, many who suffer from anorexia will binge and purge their food, not unlike those who suffer from bulimia.
Multiple missed menstrual periods. Girls and women who miss three or more periods in a row may have anorexia.

Anorexia’s Effect on the Body

According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, anorexia has an extreme effect on different parts of the body, including:

Brain. Mental cloudiness, changes in brain chemistry, memory loss, mood swings, depression, irritability, fear of gaining weight and other issues are related to malnutrition caused by anorexia.
Heart. Lower heart rate and blood pressure, heart palpitations, and heart failure are all consequences of anorexia.
Blood. Anemia is common.
Hair. Hair loses its shine, becomes brittle and thins without the right nutrients.
Muscles and bones. Bones weaken and become brittle, breaking more easily. Muscles become weakened and muscle mass is lost.
Skin. Skin dries out, can yellow and bruises more easily in anorexic patients.

Additionally, issues like anemia, constipation, bloating, low levels of essential minerals like potassium and magnesium, kidney stones and kidney failure, infertility and amenorrhea are all common among those struggling with anorexia.

Co-Occurring Disorders and Teen Anorexia

Co-occurring mental and medical disorders are exceedingly common among those who are living with anorexia. In some cases, the coexisting health issue occurs as a direct result of anorexia. In other cases, a mental disorder took hold first and instigated the issues with eating and food characterized by anorexia.

Problems with depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and other mental health issues can lead to the development of anorexia. When anorexia has set in, depression can begin or worsen, irritability becomes a problem, obsession with food starts, and abusing drugs and/or alcohol to escape significant feelings or to enhance weight loss all become serious issues of their own.

When a teenager is living with dual disorders, it is important to seek treatment at a program that can provide medical and psychological care for both issues at the same time for optimum recovery.

Anorexia Is Treatable

According to a study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine 15: 577–590, a patient can recover from anorexia with medical intervention and treatment. When you choose an anorexia treatment program for your teen, you are providing them with the care they need to come back to a healthy weight, get psychotherapeutic treatment for the mental health aspect of the problem, and learn how to avoid obsessive thinking about food and weight.

A few different kinds of therapy and ongoing medical care and treatment all work together to create a cohesive and comprehensive recovery for the patient. Personal therapy that allows the patient to work through underlying issues can be helpful, as can family therapy that provides communication assistance and education to other family members as well as the patient.

Practical guidance in the form of nutritional counseling, educational classes that demonstrate the effects of anorexia, and regular monitoring and guidance at meal time – both in preparation and in eating – give the patient a new way to control their eating habits with new and healthy goals. Aftercare and ongoing outpatient treatment can help even patients with the most severe cases of anorexia to avoid relapse after inpatient care.

Anorexia Treatment and Medication

In some cases, antidepressants may be prescribed to help your teen address the issues of depression and anxiety that often coincide with anorexia. However, there are some dangers to take into consideration. There is a “black box” warning on most antidepressants, which means there are significant issues. It is possible that some adolescents with depression issues will be more likely to commit suicide or attempt suicide when taking antidepressants. However, it is also possible that these medications can alleviate the issues of mood fluctuation and anxiety that often coincide with anorexia. No medication has yet been developed that works 100 percent of the time for 100 percent of patients in helping those recovering from anorexia to avoid relapse. Each case is different, and it is important to check the latest findings on the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) website.

Helping Your Teen Heal From Anorexia

Parents who are anxious to help their resistant teen begin the fight against anorexia can start the process of recovery at home. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, some positive steps toward healing include:

Talk about the problem. Parents can privately discuss the issues associated with anorexia and their concerns for their child directly with their teen. Choose a time and place without distractions and give your teen the room to talk and express his or her feelings and concerns.
Discuss the concept of treatment. Few living with anorexia believe that they have a disorder or any issue, especially one that requires medical intervention or treatment. Parents can talk about the health effects of malnutrition and point out symptoms that signify that their teen is experiencing those issues.
Schedule an appointment with a professional. A consultation appointment with a doctor, therapist or other professional who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders may assist the parent in helping their teen to recognize that treatment is necessary.
Don’t argue. If the teen is adamant that no problem exists and becomes hostile, don’t argue the point.
Don’t blame. Anorexia is a recognized mental health disorder with serious medical consequences. It is not the fault of the teenager so blaming or cajoling or attempting to force someone to eat will not be helpful.
Offer unconditional support. No matter what the teen’s response is, parents are encouraged to stay calm and let their teen know that they are loved no matter what.

If your teen is experiencing failing health due to anorexia but still refuses treatment, it is important to make sure that she gets the help she needs. According to a study on the efficacy of treatment on unwilling patients diagnosed with anorexia published in the Current Opinion in Psychiatry 2008 Sep;21(5):495-8, compulsory admission may be justifiable and necessary when the disorder is life threatening.

Outpatient Teen Anorexia Treatment Versus Inpatient Teen Anorexia Treatment

In most cases, treatment begins with short hospital stay for stabilization, followed by an outpatient program. In some cases, a longer hospital stay may be warranted and inpatient treatment may be necessary to ensure that the patient is stabilized physically and/or on medication. According to the National Institutes of Health, this may be necessary if:

The patient is below 70 percent of their healthy body weight.
Life-threatening health issues are present.
The patient requires feeding through a tube.
The patient continues to lose weight while in treatment.
Further medical issues develop.
The patient is suicidal.

It is important to note that anorexia treatment can be a long and difficult process of trying and discarding different therapies and treatments. Not all patients will respond quickly or to every type of treatment. It is also important to note that there is currently no cure for the disorder. Though effective treatments can allow patients to live without relapse for long periods of time, vigilance and ongoing support may be necessary for years in order to help the patient develop a stable and safe relationship with food.

What Happens During Teen Anorexia Treatment?

When a teenager enters anorexia treatment, they receive medical and psychiatric care designed to:

Stabilize their physical condition
Understand the root causes of their condition
Develop proper nutritional skills like meal preparation and scheduling meals
Help them regain a normal weight at a rate of one to three pounds per week
Increase social activity
Decrease physical activity

All of these goals provide the patient with the ability to strengthen their mind, body and spirit. The best teen anorexia programs are those that employ both medical professionals and psychiatric counselors in an effort to provide integrated care for the teenager.