Health: Advice on ... Eating disorders
Monday, March 31, 2008
Disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are often thought of as trivial conditions that only affect teenage girls. However, the reality is that they are serious psychiatric conditions experienced by both sexes, as Emma Healey from the charity beat explains.
-Q: How many young people have eating disorders?
Eating disorders affect 1.1 million people in the UK. Anorexia and bulimia are the most well-known, but the term also includes binge and compulsive eating.
There are many damaging myths about eating disorders, such as that they are simply diets gone wrong or a lifestyle choice. In fact, eating disorders are serious psychiatric conditions that can have devastating effects on both the sufferer and their family.
One in 10 people affected by them might die as a result. And while it is true that young women between the ages of 14 and 25 are the most susceptible, boys can and do develop eating disorders. However, these stereotypes can make them especially reluctant to seek help and support.
- Q: What causes eating disorders?
Eating disorders are not about food - they are about complex emotions. They are a coping mechanism, a way of expressing control or releasing negative thoughts and feelings. There are many theories about why eating disorders occur and research has shown that some people may have a genetic predisposition to them. But we still don't really know why some people develop them and others don't.
What we do know is that young people with low self-esteem are especially vulnerable. Negative life experiences, such as bullying, bereavement and family issues like divorce and separation, can trigger eating disorders. Some sufferers may have experienced abuse.
Many young people struggle to seek help as they believe the myths about eating disorders, worry that they are being silly and try to manage on their own. But eating disorders rarely go away without medical treatment.
- Q: What treatments work with young people?
Research shows that the earlier a person seeks treatment, the better the chances of a full recovery. Cognitive behaviour therapy was recommended in the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Guidelines in 2004. The involvement of the whole family in therapy has also been shown to be beneficial. Some young people manage to hide their illness for many months and can become dangerously underweight. In-patient care may be necessary in these cases.
Beat believes it is important to boost young people's self-esteem. Emphasis should be placed on celebrating success, working together and supporting young people to celebrate their achievements. It is important to give them the information to understand about different body shapes, puberty and body changes. Most importantly, young people must know they can talk to adults and seek help if they have concerns.
- Q: What should I do if I suspect a young person has an eating disorder?
Don't jump in. Take advice before you talk to the young person and familiarise yourself with your organisation's policies on safeguarding and confidentiality. When you talk to them, don't focus on food or eating, but focus instead on how they are feeling. If you challenge them about their eating, they are likely to be defensive. Inside they may be very frightened, but this often manifests itself as anger and denial.
Most importantly, be informed about eating disorders before an incident arises. We are all familiar with the physical symptoms - weight loss, vomiting or binging - but other signs can include increased introspection and the development of rigid rituals. These can be the early signs of an eating disorder, but they can also point to other problems so don't assume. Talk to the young person away from the group and remind them that there are people whom they can go to for help and advice.
Remember that knowledge really is power. Know your policy and procedures and learn about eating disorders so you can act with confidence.
- Emma Healey is director of operations at the eating disorders charity beat.
MORE INFO
- beat's website (www.b-eat.co.uk) contains a lot of helpful information. There is also a national helpline on 0845 634 1414
- beat has produced a resource called Beating Eating Disorders: Training Sessions for Youth Workers. It can be bought for £12.99 from www.b-eat.co.uk/Shop.