The Eating Disorder You May Not Even Recognize in Your Teen

While many parents understand the symptoms of anorexia and bulimia, they're less likely to know if their teen suffers with EDNOS (Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified). Teens who are going through anorexia or bulimia often have very specific symptoms, such as the avoidance of eating or binging/purging. However, there are thousands of teens who struggle with EDNOS without showing specific symptoms associated with anorexia or bulimia.

EDNOS (Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified) sufferers usually exhibit some, but not all, symptoms related to anorexia, binge eating or bulimia. This is what confuses many parents, teachers, friends or even doctors. These teens or adults may go through short periods of very restrictive eating and then switch to weeks of overeating and binge eating. They may not be considered anorexic because they are indeed going through periods of bulk eating (in which many parents may feel they are doing during a "growing period" of their youth). They may also maintain a regular weight, which makes any type of eating disorder difficult to detect. However, this type of eating pattern can be extremely harmful to a teen's health and parents should seek help if they suspect their child is suffering with this condition.

Why do teens or adults get eating disorders like EDNOS?

There are many different theories on why a person might develop an eating disorder, including social, psychological, genetic and environmental theories. Many experts feel society puts so much pressure on young people to look a specific way, they are more likely to try unhealthy methods to achieve this unrealistic visual expectation. Depression and anxiety can also play a role in a teen's eating habits and eating disorders as a whole. In addition, those teens who join sports in which their weight is an issue (dance, running, skating, gymnastics) are more likely to suffer with an eating disorder.

If you think your child or a friend is suffering with an eating disorder, get help immediately. Talk to a doctor, teacher or other trusted person to develop a plan of action. The teen may initially get upset with you for detecting their problem, but you should not give up. They probably won't want to talk with you about it but you're your job as a parent or friend to stand by their side, no matter what they say. Work with them to find the best treatment available, so they can face their problem and get the help they need to live a healthy life. Chances are, you'll be saving their life!