Eating Disorders Among Children Are Slowly Rising ✓ Solved

Eating Disorders Among Children Are Slowly Rising. Disorders

Eating disorders among children are slowly rising. Disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating are becoming apparent to vulnerable children, found more common among females. This paper will discuss children around the mean ages of 13-17 who are at risk for developing an eating disorder as indicated by the DSM criterion, as well as targeting specific characteristics of the disorder. This paper will focus on preventative measures as well as treatment measures that have been found to show positive results as indicated by research and recent studies performed by Le Grange and Stile-Shields (2015). The paper will also discuss a couple of case studies looking at children who had reported having an eating disorder and will discuss the treatments that were exposed to the patient.

Paper For Above Instructions

Introduction

Eating disorders represent a significant public health concern, particularly among adolescents aged 13 to 17. Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder are the three primary types that affect this demographic. Each disorder has unique characteristics outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Anorexia involves a distorted body image and severe weight loss, often leading to critical health issues. Bulimia incorporates episodes of binge eating followed by purging behaviors, while Binge Eating Disorder is characterized by frequent consumption of excessive amounts of food without compensatory actions (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Prevalence and Incidence

Recent studies show that over half a million teens and adolescents struggle with some form of eating disorder, with approximately 100,000 new cases documented annually (Stice, Marti, & Rohde, 2013). Females make up the majority of these cases, although males are not exempt; approximately 5-10% of diagnosed cases are male, highlighting the need for broader awareness and understanding of how these disorders manifest in different genders (Frasciello & Willard, 1995).

Theoretical Perspectives on Causes of Disorder

The causes of eating disorders among adolescents are multifactorial, with significant contributions from societal, psychological, and biological factors. Media representation often promotes unrealistic body standards, perpetuating dissatisfaction and driving unhealthy behaviors (Harrison & Hefner, 2006). Social pressures and a history of psychiatric disorders also play critical roles in the onset of these conditions (Le Grange & Lock, 2015). Internal conflicts such as low self-esteem and depression frequently coincide with eating disorders, further complicating recovery outcomes.

Treatment Approaches

Despite the high prevalence of eating disorders, only a small fraction of affected individuals seek professional help. Recent findings highlight that while 88% of those diagnosed contacted service providers, just 28% discussed their concerns with a professional (Ciao et al., 2015). Effective treatment strategies include counseling, psychotherapy, and family therapy. Intensive inpatient care becomes necessary when an individual’s health is at risk due to severe symptoms.

Case Examples

Two illustrative cases demonstrate the varying presentations and treatment responses among children with eating disorders. The first case discusses a ten-year-old girl diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa. After six months of experiencing obsessive thoughts about weight and food, she was treated with nasogastric tube feeding. Following treatment, she showed significant improvement in her eating habits (Boachie, Goldfield, & Spettigue, 2003).

The second case involves an eleven-year-old boy with a history of severe anxiety and depression. Initially, he exhibited avoidance behavior toward food. Following a medication regimen of imipramine, improvements were noted in his mental state; however, he continued to struggle with anxiety and irritability even after discharge (Abou-Saleh, Younis, & Karim, 1998).

Conclusion

In summary, eating disorders are a critical issue affecting children and adolescents, characterized by severe emotional and physical challenges. Addressing these disorders requires a multifaceted approach that includes understanding prevalence and risk factors, applying effective treatment modalities, and considering individual patient histories. The case examples illustrated the complexities of these conditions and emphasized the importance of seeking professional help for affected individuals. Continued research and advocacy are needed to improve outcomes for those suffering from eating disorders.

References

  • Abou-Saleh, M. T., Younis, Y., & Karim, L. (1998). Anorexia nervosa in an Arab culture. International Journal Of Eating Disorders, 23(2), . doi:10.1002/(SICI)X(:23.0.CO;2-X
  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
  • Boachie, A., Goldfield, G. S., & Spettigue, W. (2003). Olanzapine use as an adjunctive treatment for hospitalized children with anorexia nervosa: Case reports. International Journal Of Eating Disorders, 33(1), 98-103. doi:10.1002/eat.10115
  • Ciao, A. C., Accurso, E. C., Fitzsimmons-Craft, E. E., Lock, J., & Le Grange, D. (2015). Family functioning in two treatments for adolescent anorexia nervosa. International Journal Of Eating Disorders, 48(1), 81-90. doi:10.1002/eat.22314
  • Frasciello, L. M., & Willard, S. G. (1995). Anorexia nervosa in males: A case report and review of the literature. Clinical Social Work Journal, 23(1), 47-58. doi:10.1007/BF...
  • Harrison, K., & Hefner, V. (2006). Media influences on body image: The role of the media in eating disorders. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 30(3), 309-315. doi:10.1111/j.1471-6402.2006.00297.x.
  • Le Grange, D., & Lock, J. (2015). Family-based treatment for anorexia nervosa. New York: The Guilford Press.
  • Stice, E., Marti, C. N., & Rohde, P. (2013). Prevalence, incidence, impairment, and course of the proposed DSM-5 eating disorder diagnoses in an 8-year prospective community study of young women. Journal Of Abnormal Psychology, 122(2), . doi:10.1037/a...
  • Stiles-Shields, C., DclinPsy, B. B., Lock, J., & Le Grange, D. (2015). The effect of driven exercise on treatment outcomes for adolescents with anorexia and bulimia nervosa. International Journal Of Eating Disorders, 48(4), . doi:10.1002/eat.22281

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