![]() ![]() Instead, ask open-ended questions, and be prepared to simply listen to their answers. ![]() When talking to a teenager about anorexia nervosa, don’t immediately react with a statement like “You have to start eating more” or even “But your body is nice!” These kinds of statements impose a value on what they are saying rather than just letting them be heard. The idea that a mental health disorder is somehow “bad” or shameful can wreak havoc on an adolescent’s mental state it can even worsen the condition by triggering negative emotions that lead to disordered coping behaviors. The number one point to remember when speaking to a teenager (or anybody) about a sensitive subject like this is to always remain judgment-free. How to Talk about Anorexia Nervosa Before Deciding on a Course of Action When the disordered behaviors surrounding the disease are endangering the teen’s life, parents should seek out a residential program. Eating disorders often cooccur with other mental health symptoms parents should be aware of potential triggers like depression, anxiety disorders, and especially PTSD. People with anorexia nervosa often obsessively count calories and are preoccupied with attaining a “perfect” body. In the early stages, the signs of anorexia nervosa are often subtle – dieting, excessive exercise, and some weight loss may not seem incredibly harmful, but when they progress, they can endanger their health. If a parent is concerned about their child’s eating habits, they should talk to their child before making any moves – it’s usually not best to suddenly spring intense psychiatric treatment on anyone. There are also various, less formal checklists and questionnaires that may be able to give parents a head start. A doctor and psychiatrist should be consulted for an official diagnosis. The simplest way to determine if an adolescent needs residential anorexia nervosa treatment is to assess the physical and emotional risks they carry. Just as importantly, the adolescent who gets the treatment also needs to know what to expect when they go in for residential, the most intensive form of treatment. Better outcomes are often the result of early intervention, so getting started early is essential. With a mental health disorder with as many risk factors as anorexia nervosa, the margin of error for successful treatment is very small – and that’s why parents need to know what type of treatment is necessary. Anorexia nervosa treatment c omes in a variety of forms, ranging from weekly outpatient (such as PHP or IOP) sessions to day treatment on a regular schedule, and for the most intense cases, residential anorexia nervosa treatment. In some cases, they can even be fatal anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness according to many studies. Despite an ongoing misconception that eating disorders are somewhat benign illnesses, they can dramatically an adolescent’s life for the worse and often last for years. Every parent is concerned about their child’s well-being, and an eating disorder like anorexia nervosa is no exception t the rule. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |