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School Outreach and Guidelines for Eating Disorder Identification Among Students
Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Director of Content and Social Media at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
While it is understood that eating disorders do not discriminate and that age is not a factor associated with eating disorder development, the onset of eating disorders often occurs in childhood and adolescents, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.
With eating disorders often developing during school-aged children, schools can serve and important role in early identification and outreach for treatment.
Though it is not in the hands of teachers or school professionals to be the ones to identify eating disorders among students, individuals in these positions may have a better opportunity than most to observe significant changes among a student that may indicate a more severe issue at hand.
Even so, many schools may be ill-equipped when it comes to appropriately handling and addressing some of the mental health concerns that may be emerging among students.
Mental Health Resources on Campus
Many school campuses, including junior colleges and universities, offer a wellness center that may include mental health services or have the adequate staffing to support behavioral and mental health issues.
Because of the high prevalence of eating disorders among school aged children and adolescents and the co-morbidity of these diseases, redefining mental health services for students in the school systems is an important aspect of identification and treatment.
Strategies for Schools to Assist Students With Eating Disorders
In response to the increase in demand for better resources for school staff who may be encountering students with eating disorders, the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) issued strategies for schools to identify and assist students with eating disorders.
This includes guidelines for teachers, administration, and staff that recommends developing protocol for channeling non academic concerns, being prepared to refer students and families to appropriate specialists for eating disorders, not weighing students publicly, and more [1].
Because eating disorders can frequently arise during school-aged students, schools that are better equipped to handle these types of scenarios can assist students with early identification and treatment of these fatal psychiatric illnesses.
Increased awareness and education of eating disorders among school professionals in addition to effective school policies and programs for mental health can better prepare staff within the school system for working with students that have eating disorders.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
How can schools more effectively approach students who may be dealing with an eating disorder?
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
References:
[1]: National Eating Disorders Assn. Issues Strategies for Schools to Identify, Assist Students with Eating Disorders https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/press-room/press-releases/2008-press-releases/national-eating-disorders-assn-issues-strategies-schools-identify-assist-students-eating-disordersThe opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on July 17, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.
