Survival Guide for Parents with Eating Disordered Children - Tips for Parents with Eating Disordered Children

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

Luvem: How can a parent show their concern and support for their child without sounding "controlling"?

Dr Haltom: Be a good listener. Be available to talk. Don't be too probing or judgmental. Many young people with eating disorders want to be "understood" by their families. Showing empathy is also a good way to draw out a child and show support. A parent can use reflective listening and they can ask about how a child might be feeling. They might say, for example, "That must have hurt your feelings."

David: An audience comment on point:

lyn: Not too easy to not be probing these days with young people.

PattyJo: What about medications, what is effective for anorexia? And should a parent be receptive to medication treatment for their child?(medications for eating disorders)

Dr Haltom: Because absorption of medications is sometimes affected by eating disorder behaviors, e.g., starvation and poor nutrition or vomiting near the time medication is taken, a physician will determine when the appropriate time to give medication occurs. And the physician prescribing, often listen to the mental health professional (unless it is a psychiatrist who is both prescribing and treating) about what mental health conditions may be underlying an eating disorder.

chloe: My daughter was put on the antidepressant, Zoloft, and we have seen tremendous progress in the depression that accompanied her eating disorder.

Dr Haltom: For example, it is very common for young people with eating disorders to suffer from depression. Also, social anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) are often part of the clinical picture. And substance abuse is a consideration. The medication chosen will address the clinical psychiatric problems. There is some evidence that certain anti-depressant medications will curb appetite for those who binge. Also, sometimes medicine is given for gastrointestinal problems that arise with eating disorders.

In short, parents should be prepared to deal with the question of medication when their child is in treatment for an eating disorder.

David: It's getting late. I want to thank Dr. Haltom for being here tonight. Again, her website address is: www.anorexiasurvivalguide.com. There was a lot of good information and I appreciate the audience participation. Our homepage is: www.healthyplace.com. I invite everyone to take a look around. Thank you again Dr. Haltom for coming tonight. Good night everyone.

Disclaimer: We are not recommending or endorsing any of the suggestions of our guest. In fact, we strongly encourage you to talk over any therapies, remedies or suggestions with your doctor BEFORE you implement them or make any changes in your treatment.

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