Eating disorder resources for families & friends

Although anyone can develop negative body image, these issues are far too common among teenagers and young adults. Body image issues in teens may appear for a number of reasons, from bullying to media exposure. Regardless of the cause, teenagers with body image concerns may be struggling with more serious issues, such as an eating disorder. If this is the case, admittance at an appropriate day treatment center or residential treatment center may be necessary.

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Understanding Body Image

Body image is a person’s perception of the way they look in their own mind. A teenager’s body image may not accurately reflect their true appearance. Regardless of the way they actually look, a teenager with a  negative body image may have a negative view of themselves based on what they see in the mirror. People with a positive body image, on the other hand, will feel confident and satisfied with their appearance.

When body image issues in teens become severe, they can develop into body image disorders. These disorders raise the risk of the teenager developing related problems, such as food restriction, excessive exercise or an eating disorder.

What Causes Teen Body Image Issues?

Teen body image issues can result from a number of different factors. Some of the most common factors may include:

1. Influence of the media

It is no secret the media promotes certain body types as more “desirable” than others. Unfortunately, the body types featured in movies, magazines and on social media are difficult, if not impossible, for the average adolescent to obtain. In many cases, the media uses technology and optical illusions to remove perceived imperfections from models and change the way they look for the purposes of a magazine cover or feature film. There are also instances where the models or actors engage in unsafe behaviors themselves in order to maintain the “perfect look” for their profession.

Many teenagers are unaware of the tricks the media uses to alter the appearance of models and actors. As teenagers see these images constantly throughout the day they may begin to feel as if any other body type is simply not good enough. They may begin to scrutinize their own appearance, comparing it to the models and actors they see in the media. Over time, this exposure to unrealistic standards of beauty can lead to negative body image issues.

2. Bullying and teasing

Another potential cause of body image issues is bullying and teasing from peers. During adolescence, it’s not unusual to be teased about the way they look. Peers may make unkind or harassing comments about someone’s shape or weight. When a person is bombarded with bullying and teasing on a regular basis, they may begin to believe what they hear. This may lead to an altered perception of their appearance, focusing too much on real or imagined defects.

3. Natural changes occurring during adolescence

During adolescence, people go through puberty. During this time, the child’s body releases hormones that cause their appearance to change quickly. Most  will grow taller, develop breasts and gain weight. The adolescent may notice secondary sex characteristics, oily skin or other changes that make them feel self-conscious. Because these changes happen so rapidly, some have trouble adjusting. If they are uncomfortable with their new shape or appearance, they may be more likely to develop a negative body image.

4. Individual traits

Some people have personality traits that make them more susceptible to negative body image issues. For example, if a teen tends to be a perfectionist, they may be more likely to closely scrutinize their appearance and notice even the smallest flaw. People who have more obsessive personality traits may also be at a higher risk of body image issues as they may have a more difficult time overlooking perceived flaws and how to change them.

5. Heredity

Genetics may play a role in body image issues. If a person has close relatives who developed body image issues during adolescence, they may be at a higher risk of developing these issues as well.

6. Home environment

Another factor that may play a role in the development of teen body image issues is the teenager’s home environment. Adolescents with a home environment that is less positive and supportive may be more likely to develop issues with body image. Additionally, if parents, even inadvertently, put extreme pressure on their child to be successful, popular with peers or attractive, they may be more likely to worry too much about their appearance.

7. Psychological or emotional issues

Some people who develop body image issues have additional psychological or emotional concerns, such as depression or anxiety. The presence of these disorders may put them at a higher risk of having or developing negative body image.

Recognizing Body Image Issues in Adolescents

Body image issues in teens range in severity, from slightly negative to a fully distorted perception of appearance that can lead to chronic illness. It can be difficult for parents to recognize whether their teenager’s behavior constitutes a body image issue, especially if the issue is mild. Nonetheless, because any issue in this area can potentially develop into a serious problem, it is essential for parents to pay attention to their children’s behavior and look for signs of a developing issue.

Some of the signs a person may be struggling with negative body image, include:

• Preoccupation with physical appearance: If a teenager spends an unreasonable amount of time talking about their physical appearance or scrutinizing their body in the mirror, they may have a body image issue.
• Refusing to appear in pictures: If they refuse to appear in pictures or is never happy with the outcome of a picture, parents may consider the possibility of a body image issue.
• Interest in cosmetic procedures: Some people who have body image issues may request cosmetic procedures, such as those designed to change the shape of the face or body.
• Ongoing diets or attempts to lose weight: People with body image issues are often on a continuous diet or may excessively exercise.
• Signs of an eating disorder: A teenager with body image disorders could develop an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. Some of the signs of an eating disorder include episodes of binging and purging, unreasonable amounts of exercise, significant food restriction or social withdrawal.

If a parent witnesses any of these symptoms in their teenager, seeking professional advice is recommended. A professional can evaluate the teenager, determine whether a problem exists and recommend treatment, if necessary.

Seeking Treatment for Body Image Issues

A teenager with a negative body image may be at risk of developing additional disorders, such as an eating disorder. Fortunately, effective treatment for body image issues is available. In most cases, a person with body image issues can recover by completing a program at a day treatment center or a residential treatment center. Day treatment programs for teens provide treatment services to teenage clients during the day or evening and allow them to interact in their daily routines when not in treatment. The goal of day treatment programs for teens is to help clients recognize the underlying causes of their negative body image, or disorder, and develop a more positive, realistic view of their own appearance. Day treatment programs may also address co-occurring problems experienced by adolescents with body image issues, such as psychological or emotional concerns. Day treatment programs for teens will also help clients develop coping skills they can use to positively respond to triggers and stressors during and after treatment.

In some cases, day treatment programs may not be appropriate, and a higher level of care is needed. For example, if an adolescent’s body image issue has developed into an eating disorder they may need more intensive treatment. Instead of enrolling at a day treatment center, they will need to be admitted to a residential treatment program that specializes in eating disorder counseling. Residential programs require clients to live on-site during the treatment process, which provides them with an immersive and intensive treatment experience. These programs include enhanced treatment options that may not be available at a day treatment program, such as round-the-clock medical care. A potential option, and typical recommendation, is for a client to step down into a day treatment program after completing treatment at the residential level.

Treatment for Teens and Body Image Issues at Monte Nido

Choosing the right day treatment or residential program can be difficult for parents of children with body image issues. At Monte Nido, we understand how body image issues affect adolescents and we provide day treatment and residential programs specifically designed to address this problem. Our day treatment programs are holistic in nature and include a number of services to address body image issues, including psychotherapy groups, individual therapy sessions, sessions with a nutritionist, family therapy, parent education, academic support and psychiatric management. All treatment programs are customized to meet the needs of each individual client.

For people with more severe body image issues or an eating disorder, we also offer residential treatment. Our residential treatment program is highly structured and includes additional services, such as exposure therapy, life skills training and more. Prior to treatment, we perform a detailed assessment to ensure the treatment plan meets all of the client’s unique needs. Before releasing the client from treatment, we spend time developing a detailed aftercare plan to provide the best chance of continued recovery.

If you think your adolescent child may have a body image issue or a related problem, the experienced professionals at Monte Nido can help. Please contact us today to learn more about our day treatment and residential treatment programs.

For most of modern history, people have associated eating disorders with bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa, which have been identified in the DSM-5 for decades. However, in 2013 binge eating disorder was finally recognized as a unique and official eating disorder, clearing a path for greater acknowledgment of the disorder and increasing the availability of specialized binge eating disorder treatment.This type of eating disorder is characterized by recurring episodes of consuming very large amounts of food within a short period – often when they’re not hungry and also beyond the point of being full.

People who need binge eating disorder recovery will usually experience feelings of shame, guilt, and disgust after a binge eating episode. The symptoms of binge eating disorder aren’t like those associated with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, where people restrict food or purge after binging. Instead, this type of eating disorder doesn’t involve any compensatory behaviors after a binge eating episode. Binge eating disorder can be a serious disorder, so if you or a loved one has a binge eating disorder diagnosis, keep reading to learn more about the signs, symptoms, and risks associated with the condition.

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1. Binge Eating Disorder Affects All Genders

While many people associate eating disorders with young women and girls (and both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa do happen more frequently in women), both men and women of all ages can develop binge eating disorder. It’s been estimated that 40 percent of all BED cases are actually in men, as compared to only 5 – 15 percent for anorexia nervosa. This is unusual not only because eating disorders tend to affect women much more than men, but also because so many males are diagnosed at all. Stigma against admitting to an eating disorder among males, as well as deep-seated biases in the medical and psychiatric community. The latter is changing, however, largely due to increased awareness about how often males are underrepresented in the eating disorder recovery community.

When discussing gender and eating disorders, it’s impossible to ignore a simple fact; transgender people are more likely to develop an eating disorder. In general, a trans teenager is four times more likely to suffer from anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder than their cisgender peers. Trans people often struggle with body dysmorphia and will take extreme steps to alter their body to match their true gender – this can involve restriction or dieting, which influence binge eating episodes. Over time, these can become compulsive. When choosing a comprehensive eating disorder recovery program, it’s worthwhile to look into treatment centers that are prepared to compassionately care for their client’s gender.

2. Binge Eating Disorder Is Very Common

Although anorexia nervosa is arguably more well-known, binge eating disorder is actually the most common eating disorder in the United States today. Almost 5 percent of the adult population is thought to develop it at some point in their lives. Because binge eating disorder is often tied into low self-esteem and negative body image, it’s a risk factor for people who are “on a diet.” A large segment of the population is unsatisfied with their weight and/or trying to lose weight. Spurred on by an aggressive diet industry, many people put themselves at risk for binge eating episodes by restricting food so they always feel hungry.

Despite its frequency, the disorder is often misdiagnosed. One of the reasons it wasn’t totally accepted by the psychiatric community until 2013 is that it was often dismissed as “overeating” – and sometimes dieting was even recommended by doctors! Nowadays, a combination of nutritional education and behavioral therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, are the prime components of treatment.

3. Self-esteem and Shame Can Form a Cycle

Binge eating disorder treatment often revolves around reducing the disordered behavior – and the causes of that behavior must be addressed. Shame and binge eating disorder often go hand-in-hand. A major symptom of binge eating disorder is to tell their friends and family that they are on a diet, circumspectly admitting to a sense of shame about their weight. Body image problems arising from weight dissatisfaction directly affect a person’s self-esteem. Binge eating releases serotonin – a chemical that makes a person feel better and lifts their mood – which alleviates these negative emotions. Unfortunately, this becomes a cycle; a person feels bad about their weight, diets, and binges to feel better, even temporarily.

Shame can also make it harder for a person with binge eating disorder to reach out for help. One of the diagnostic criteria for the disorder lays out that binge eating episodes bring a sense of self-disgust or shame. Because they are ashamed to admit they are binge eating, people are less likely to seek out help or enter eating disorder treatment. Overcoming these feelings is central to binge eating disorder recovery.

4. Emotions Can Trigger a Binge Eating Episode

As mentioned, some people turn to binge eating as a way to cope with low self-esteem or feelings of guilt – and the same chemical process can also alleviate emotional distress or anxiety. In some ways, it’s similar to OCD in that these coping behaviors become compulsive. Binge eating episodes trigger the creation of serotonin, which can act as a way to reduce or get rid of feelings of anxiety and other negative emotions.

Another potent trigger for disordered eating behaviors is the presence of past trauma. PTSD is listed as one of the most notable triggers for a variety of disordered eating behaviors. A 2013 study indicated that 25 percent of participants with binge eating disorder could directly link their binge eating patterns to PTSD. It should be noted that PTSD is not only caused by violent experiences, abuse, or combat; trauma can be caused by emotional experiences as well. Things like being bullied, losing a job, parents divorcing, or even a bad breakup are known to cause trauma and PTSD.

5. Binge Eating Disorder Is Associated with Many Serious Health Risks

While many of those with the condition experience high levels of shame and depression, they also have to worry about several physical health risks as well. Because the foods eaten during a binge are usually junk foods or otherwise unhealthy, and that there is no counteracting purge, long-term BED can lead to obesity and the health risks that come with it. Early intervention is important for a successful binge eating disorder treatment program because many people with binge eating disorder are already dealing with high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and musculoskeletal issues.

According to Johns Hopkins, binge eating disorder can cause complications from:

• Overweight or obesity
• Increased risk for:
  
  • High cholesterol
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Heart disease
  • Some types of cancer
  • Increased risk for psychiatric illnesses, particularly depression

People with binge eating disorder typically eat huge amounts of food at one time — often junk food — to reduce stress and relieve anxiety.

• Guilt and depression usually follow binge eating.
• People with binge eating disorder are at higher risk for depressive mood disorders, anxiety, and substance abuse.

The last part may be the most important. Binge eating disorder is very treatable, but its high risk of co-occurring disorders can complicate treatment. When seeking out a therapist or facility to help facilitate recovery, individuals with binge eating disorder should always seek out a program with a full continuum of care.

6. Binge Eating Disorder and Dieting Are Almost Always Linked

Many people who eventually develop binge eating disorder may turn to this type of disordered behavior after attempting to restrict their diets with highly inflexible rules. For example, when a person begins cutting out entire food groups like bread or dairy, they are more likely to feel deprived and hungry. When faced with such restrictive dietary rules, some people may choose to “cheat” on their diet by binging and promising to get back on track again the next day.

A disordered relationship with food, eating, and body weight influences almost every kind of eating disorder. It’s not unusual for a person to alternate between different kinds of disordered eating or change their patterns over time. For example, a person may go from dieting to anorexia nervosa without binge eating episodes, then binging regularly for a period of several months, and then back again. Psychiatrists often require continued displays of a particular type of eating disorder before making a diagnosis, but treatment will require a multifaceted approach so that the individual doesn’t simply change their disordered eating patterns.

Binge Eating Disorder Recovery Isn’t Easy, But Getting Started Can Be

Recovery is a long process, and usually very emotional. It’s not always an easy journey, but there is good news – it’s easier to get started than you think. Reach out to a therapist, psychiatrist, or accredited eating disorder treatment facility like Monte Nido. We'll be able to help you get started on the path to recovery.

Bulimia nervosa is a serious and pervasive disorder that rarely resolves on its own. When left untreated, bulimia nervosa can lead to grave consequences. For this reason, it is essential for anyone who has symptoms of this disorder to be evaluated and treated properly as soon as possible. 

As a parent, it is natural to watch your child for signs of serious disorders like bulimia nervosa. If you suspect that your child may have this illness, it is important to take action. Below is some information to help you determine whether your child may have bulimia nervosa, as well as to formulate a plan for the path ahead. 

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Understanding Bulimia Nervosa in Kids

Before you can determine whether your child may be struggling with bulimia nervosa you need to have some basic knowledge of this illness and what it usually looks like. In its simplest form, bulimia nervosa is a disorder that involves a cycle of binging and purging. During the binge phase, the individual eats a large amount of food at one time. In most cases, the individual will feel “out of control” while binge eating. During the purge phase, the individual uses extreme methods to purge the excess calories from the body. Purging behaviors may include induced vomiting, the use of laxatives and/or excessive exercise. The cycle of binging and purging is detrimental to the individual’s health, both mentally and physically. 

Most people who have bulimia nervosa will be excessively preoccupied with their body shape and/or weight. Bulimia nervosa tends to co-occur with body dysmorphic disorder, which is a mental condition that causes people to see themselves in an unreasonably negative way, often with imagined or exaggerated flaws. People with bulimia nervosa tend to judge themselves very harshly at all times, regardless of the opinions of family and friends. 

If left untreated, bulimia nervosa can lead to serious complications. Some of the possible complications of this disorder include:

• Tooth decay and gum disease usually caused by repeated vomiting. 
• Dehydration from vomiting and/or misuse of laxatives. 
• Heart problems. 
• Problems with the digestive system. 
• Disruptions in the menstrual cycle. 

Bulimia nervosa can have psychological consequences as well, including low self-esteem, poor social functioning, relationship problems, anxiety, depression and even the development of personality disorders. Some people with bulimia nervosa may also develop addictions to drugs or alcohol, engage in self-injury and/or become suicidal. In the worst cases, someone with bulimia nervosa can die from one or more of these complications. For this reason, it is important to seek treatments for a child with bulimia nervosa as soon as you see signs of the disorder. The longer the disorder continues without professional treatment, the harder it will be for your child to overcome. 

How to Recognize Bulimia in Kids Early

As a parent, you may be able to recognize the signs of bulimia nervosa in your child if you pay close attention to their habits. Some of the signs to look for in your child include:

• An unreasonable preoccupation with weight or the appearance of the body. 
• A negative, unrealistic body image. 
• Episodes of eating large amounts of food at one time. In many cases, these episodes will include foods the individual might avoid normally. 
• Disappearing to the bathroom during meals or right after eating. 
• Engaging in excessive amounts of exercise, strict diets and/or fasting after episodes of binging. 
• Fluctuating weight. 
• In people who vomit, damaged teeth or gums may appear. People who repeatedly induce vomiting may also develop sores or calluses on their hands. 
• Swelling in the face, cheeks, hands and/or feet. 
• Avoiding eating in front of other people.

If you notice any of the signs above, your child may be struggling with bulimia nervosa, and it is time to take action. Keep in mind that your child may not be losing weight or underweight even if they have bulimia nervosa. In fact, many people who struggle with bulimia nervosa are a normal weight or even heavier than normal. Even if your child does not appear to be losing weight, you should still investigate the situation if you notice signs of this eating disorder. It is also important to note that someone with bulimia nervosa will not necessarily display all of the symptoms listed above. As a parent, it is important to trust your instincts if you see signs of a problem.

How to Take Action for Bulimia in Kids

If, after watching your child, you believe that bulimia nervosa may be an issue, you need to take action to protect their future. Follow the steps below to give your child the best chance of making a full recovery. 

1. Learn as much as you can about bulimia in kids. 

If you think your child has bulimia nervosa, the first thing you need to do is learn about the disorder and its causes so you can understand your child’s situation better before you approach them. You can find relevant information about bulimia nervosa from trusted sources online or by contacting an eating disorder treatment center. In many cases, these facilities offer support specifically for the family members of people struggling with bulimia nervosa. 

2. Research different eating disorder treatment options 

Before you approach your child to discuss the existence of an eating disorder, it is best to have a treatment plan ready in hopes that the child will be willing to enroll. Be sure to compare all of the different treatment programs available to find the option that will be most effective for your child. Keep in mind that treatment programs vary considerably. Some of the factors to consider as you compare different treatment options include:

• The focus of the treatment. – In general, it is best to choose a facility that offers programs focused specifically on bulimia nervosa. Also, because you are seeking treatment for a child or adolescent, it is best to select a program designed specifically for people in this age group.
• The reputation of the facility. – Always do your best to choose a treatment facility that has a solid reputation of providing effective services to patients. You can learn about different facilities' reputations by reading reviews and testimonials online, as well as by talking to patients or family members of patients who have completed programs at that facility. 
• Customization levels. – The best bulimia nervosa treatment programs will customize their treatment plans according to the background and characteristics of your child. If possible, choose a program that offers a high level of customization so you can be sure your child is getting the best possible quality of treatment. 
• Success rates. – Perhaps one of the most important factors to consider as you compare different treatment plans is the success rate of the program. Inquire about success rates from all prospective treatment programs and ask for documentation if possible. 
• Affordability. – Although the cost of your child’s treatment program should not be the deciding factor, most parents will also need to consider affordability for budgetary purposes. Keep in mind that, if your child is covered by health insurance, your out-of-pocket expenses for eating disorder treatment may be lower. 

3. Have an open and honest conversation with your child. 

Your child may already be aware that a problem exists, or the child may be in denial. The next step in the process of helping your child involves sitting down to have a conversation about the signs you have seen and the possibility of bulimia nervosa. If your child is receptive to the idea of a bulimia nervosa diagnosis, the path forward will be easier. However, do not be surprised if your child denies the existence of a problem, especially at first. Your child may even express anger or rage when confronted with this issue. Try not to take any of your child’s words or actions personally at this time. 

4. Don’t be confrontational. 

While it is important to be open and honest when discussing the issue of bulimia nervosa with your child, being angry or directly confrontational is not recommended. Approach your child in a compassionate, non-judgmental way, assuring them that you will provide your unconditional love and support no matter what.  

5. Schedule an appointment with bulimia treatment specialists. 

Do your best to set up an appointment with treatment specialists so your child can be properly evaluated. Encourage your child to actively participate in the process of reviewing treatment programs and making a decision. When your child is involved in the decision-making process, resistance to treatment may be lower. 

6. Seek support for yourself. 

Life as the parent of a child with bulimia nervosa can be incredibly challenging. In many cases, parents feel directly responsible for their child’s disorder and may deal with a range of related emotions, including guilt and shame. Parents of children with eating disorders often face anxiety as well, especially when children are still going through treatment. Fortunately, support specifically for parents of children with eating disorders is available. Take advantage of these opportunities for yourself. If you have other children, consider seeking support for them as well. 

Bulimia Nervosa Treatment at Monte Nido

We understand that adolescents experience eating disorders uniquely, and all of our programs are tailored specifically to members of this age group.

At our facility, we believe that eating disorders like bulimia nervosa are complex and arise from several different factors. All of our programs are customized to meet the needs of each patient, based on the patient’s background and the nature of their specific experience with bulimia nervosa. We offer a combination of medical and psychiatric care to give patients the best chance of making a full recovery from bulimia nervosa.

If you choose to enroll your child in bulimia nervosa treatment at Monte Nido, the process will begin with pre-admission evaluations. During this part of treatment, our team will review all of your child’s mental health and medical information to devise the most appropriate treatment plan. Our eating disorder treatment program is based on a system of levels. Your child begins at the entry level and will progress until they reach level four. The goal of this specialized treatment process is not only to change your child’s behavior concerning food, but also to help the child understand why bulimia nervosa developed so they can avoid falling into the same patterns after treatment is complete. Also, your child will learn important skills to help them outside the facility, including skills related to meal planning, coping with stress and dealing with triggers. Furthermore, we offer supportive services for family members, such as multi-family support groups, family therapy and parent education programs.

If you think your child may be struggling with bulimia nervosa or another eating disorder, you need to seek professional help as soon as possible. Please contact us today to learn more about our programs or to set up an appointment.