Eating disorders are a group of conditions where unhealthy eating habits develop and the young person can eat too little or too much or worrying about the way their body looks to the extent that it has an impact on their life.
The commonest eating disorders we see in children’s mental health are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and avoidant/restrictive intake disorder (ARFID).
Young people with anorexia try to lose weight by eating as little as possible and avoiding calorie dense foods. They often believe they are overweight when they are at a healthy weight or underweight. They may exercise a lot, make themselves sick after eating or use laxatives or medications to reduce appetite.
Signs of anorexia nervosa include sudden weight loss or low weight for height, feeling cold, feeling dizzy, becoming more sad or anxious and periods stopping or becoming irregular in girls.
This is an eating disorder where the child or young person avoids many foods or restricts their diet but not due to any concern about their weight or shape. In some, this can be due to a fear of vomiting or choking on food, sensory sensitivities to the appearance, smell, taste and texture of foods or lack of interest in eating.
Youngsters with ARFID struggle to meet their energy and nutritional requirements and this can lead to weight loss, nutritional deficiencies and dependence on oral supplements or tube feeding. There are often associated physical health problems.
This is a disorder where someone eats a large amount of food quickly then takes extreme weight control measures, such as vomiting or laxative use. They have excessive concern regarding their weight and shape. They often experience a loss of self control during an episode of binge eating.
The vomiting may cause teeth erosion and damage. Weight may increase, decrease or stay the same.
This is a similar disorder to bulimia, as young people eat large amounts of food very quickly and feel they have lost control. They may eat in secret and when feeling full. When not binging, they may eat excessively or normally. They do not attempt to vomit, use laxatives or otherwise lose weight afterwards.
If you are worried about your weight or believe you may have an eating disorder speak to someone you trust about this, for example a friend, teacher, school nurse or counsellor or your GP. If you need specialist help you may be referred to CEDS (Children’s Eating Disorder Service) or children and young people’s mental health (CYPMHS) services. If you receive treatment in CEDS or CYPMHS this may include psychological therapy, Family Therapy and, in some cases, medication.
Further advice and support is available at Beat - The UK's eating disorder charity and what to do if you're experiencing eating problems - Young Minds