How many calories does it contain? How do I explain to my parents that my dinner today consists of half a slice of bread? A spiral of thoughts in which everything revolves around food and weight is typical of young people who have developed anorexia nervosa. And behind this eating disorder lies much more than the mere desire to be thin.
With the coronavirus pandemic, the number of anorexics among young people has increased markedly.
Here, some central questions and answers on the subject. To what extent have cases increased? “We see a clear increase. We have about twice as many female patients with anorexia nervosa on the wards than before the coronavirus pandemic,” says Professor Stephan Bender of the University Clinic in Cologne, Germany, where he heads the department of Child Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy and Teenagers.
Anorexia nervosa disorder, a serious psychiatric illness
As before the pandemic, it is still mostly girls who get sick with an eating disorder. Among them there are some with initial diagnoses, but also patients already affected who have suffered a relapse during these times of coronavirus.
“We are also concerned that among children, that is, in the group of those under 14 years of age, there is a particularly clear increase in cases,” Prof. Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann of the RWTH Aachen University Clinic, where she is head of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, points out.
Herpertz-Dahlmann explains that the under-14 age group had hitherto been rarely affected by anorexia nervosa, but this appears to have changed with the pandemic.
Who tends to develop anorexia nervosa?
When a child or young person suffers from anorexia nervosa, this does not refer to a single cause, but to a combination of various factors.
For example, there may be a genetic predisposition that makes it more likely that anorexia will develop later in life. If one of the parents has an eating disorder, the risk also increases.
The wounds of anorexia in the young and the adult
But character itself also plays a major role: “Often those affected are particularly disciplined and perfectionist,” says Stephan Bender. “They often base their self-esteem on doing well in school and less on their social contacts,” he adds.
Control is a big issue for anorexics. Having their own weight under their complete control can give them a sense of security. And this just gains importance in times when other areas of life are out of one’s control. For example, during a pandemic.
In addition beauty ideals play a role. Whether on social networks or in the schoolyard, whoever permanently observes that slender bodies are admired and that those who are overweight are mocked, internalizes it.
What warning signs should parents take seriously?
Parents should pay attention to whether the child suddenly loses weight. In order to better assess the situation, parents can use special body mass index calculators found on the Internet.
Or if the parents notice that their female daughters do not menstruation, this can also be a sign that the body is starving.
“I look terribly with my fat legs.” If these types of phrases are pronounced, for example, in front of a mirror, parents should take it seriously.
“Also conflicts around food are a sign that something is wrong there,” says Bender. “And naturally when the boy or girl’s interests narrow, when he no longer takes care of his hobbies or his friendships, but everything revolves around food,” he adds.
In general, if there is a fundamental change in behavior, especially eating, parents should remain vigilant.
Adolescents with eating disorders, how to help them?
What to do then?
In the beginning, many anorexics and anorexics do not want to know anything about the need for help. Unlike other illnesses of the psyche, the onset of suffering in anorexia nervosa is late, explains Bender. Because, at first, those affected feel strong and powerful because of their supposed successes in diets.
This is often incomprehensible to parents. And it’s because anorexia is accompanied by a body dysmorphic disorder: those affected have a distorted view of their own physique and feel, despite already protruding bones, that they are too fat.
Despite all the disorientation and impotence, “Parents should absolutely not be silent on the subject. The possibility of overcoming the disease is greater if it is treated as early as possible”, indicates Herpertz-Dahlmann.
Over time, acute underweight can be life-threatening. It is advisable to look for an open dialogue, which begins with words like “I have the feeling that lately you don’t like me.”
Where do families find professional help?
Treatment, whether outpatient, inpatient, or in a day clinic, will depend on the severity of the anorexia. Normally, the path begins at the pediatrician’s office. They may refer the family to a child psychotherapist or psychiatrist.
“Sometimes the wait times can be considerable,” says Bender. Therefore, he clarifies, in the weeks or months until a space for therapy is found, it is even more important to keep attention focused on the state of the child.
Source: Eluniverso
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