What’s difficult about this trend of anorexia in tweens is that on the other side of the coin you have the dangerous trend of youth (and adult obesity). It is so hard to find a common middle ground that it is disturbing to us in the treatment industry.
An eye opening report from CNN highlights how prevalent ED is in our culture.
The report uses a 10 year old girls’ body dysmorphia to highlight how a young impressionable girl (or guy) might slip into unhealthy disordered eating.
“Shae” felt pressured by older peers to lose “a few extra pounds.” Her mom panicked and did what she thought would be the best thing for Shae – tried to entice her to eat more and then tried to force her to do so.
The gradual weight loss was not immediately noticeable to Shae’s mom, even the pediatrician stated Shae was still in the “healthy” weight range for a girl of her age and height (at a checkup that was still in the early stages of the eating disorder).
Eventually, beyond the physical symptoms, her personality went though a change as she became withdrawn, anxious and depressed.
Shae eventually was hospitalized numerous ties until she started to turn to healthier eating patterns while in treatment at Remuda ranch.
Social Pressure Leads to Distorted Self Body Image (or Body Dysmorphia)
Younger and younger children are being affected by societal pressures to lose weight. Kids today are exposed to many more messages about body image – even when those messages are couched in a positive campaign like one about “fitness” or an “anti obesity campaign.”
– even if they are victims of the “most dangerous disorder in the DSM -IV”(the treatmetn practitioner’s “bible” of psychological issues).
Eating Disorders are Somewhat Hereditary
There are certain genetic traits that are passed along to children that might make them more prone to anorexia. Examples of these include:
- perfectionism
- high levels of anxiety
- obsessive-compulsive tendencies
- depression
What to Do If your Tween is Exhibiting Symptoms of Bulimia or Anorexia
GET HELP. It is very important that you get help quickly from an Eating Disorder professional.
Feel free to contact our treatment center for a referral in your area.