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Unique Issues & Concerns of Teens Struggling with Bulimia
Contributed by Canopy Cove
Bulimia Nervosa (BN) is an eating disorder diagnosis whose behaviors are characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors [1]. For both adults and teens, this disorder can have catastrophic consequences to the body and mind if it continues untreated. However, when teens struggle with bulimia, they have a unique set of issues that must be addressed.
Diagnosis
The onset of Bulimia Nervosa occurs predominantly in adolescence, particularly between the ages of 10 to 20 [1]. This age gap presents a prime opportunity for diagnosis and treatment of bulimia before behaviors become ingrained and the individual is further entrenched in the disorder.
Despite this, a diagnostic criterion is created for adults, and often, it does not apply appropriately to teens.
For example, one diagnostic criterion for bulimia is that the “individual reports body shape and weight concerns as having undue influence on their self-evaluation [1].” While possibly appropriate for an adult, an adolescent’s self-evaluation is continually evolving as their bodies and minds change and mature.
Additionally, measuring this criterion takes a certain level of abstract reasoning and perspective that, developmentally, teens are incapable to employ. Some clinicians have noticed this difficulty and suggested behavioral indicators be looked at instead [1].
Another unique issue of an adolescent bulimia nervosa diagnosis is that, due to the above discrepancy’s in reporting, as well as age, teens are more often diagnosed with subthreshold eating disorders such as OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder) instead of full-blown bulimia.
These diagnoses can lead to delayed intervention or unwillingness for insurance to pay for treatment, creating more time for unhelpful and dangerous disordered eating behaviors to become entrenched.
Risk Factors When Teens Struggle with Bulimia
When teens struggle with bulimia, the onset of Bulimia Nervosa differs in risk factors as compared to those in adult-onset BN. Studies indicate that maternal and peer influence more heavily impact the teen development of disordered eating behaviors than adults [1].
Teens are often heavily influenced by the maternal messages told and shown to them regarding body weight, size, and shape. Further, as teens continue to transition into adulthood, their peers become more influential in regard to body dissatisfaction [1].
Treatment When Teens Struggle with Bulimia
Teen’s bodies are constantly in flux, as they are developing from childhood, to adolescence, to adulthood.
Any disruption to this development, especially one as catastrophic as BN, can cause long-term and harmful changes in the body. This must be addressed in treatment as simply treating the psychiatric effects of BN on the body will not be enough to turn illness into wellness.
Further, because of the importance of peer influence mentioned above, a psychosocial approach should also be taken to assist the adolescent in creating their own sense of identity, separate from their peers, as well as supporting them in strengthening their ability to combat negative or harmful messages they may be getting from their peers.
As much as teenagers like to think they know everything, they are still in an incredibly vulnerable and transitional period in their lives. This must be considered in all levels of BN treatment, from risk factors to diagnosis, to treatment, recovery, and beyond.
Resources:
[1] Hoste, R. R. et al. (2012). Adolescent bulimia nervosa. Current Psychiatry Report, 14, 391-397.About Our Sponsor:
Canopy Cove Eating Disorder Treatment Center is a leading residential Eating Disorder Treatment Center with 25 years’ experience treating adults and teens who are seeking lasting recovery from Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder and other related eating disorders.
We are a licensed rehabilitative provider accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. Trusted and recommended by doctors and therapists throughout the country, our program provides clients with clinical excellence and compassionate care.
As one of the most experienced Eating Disorder Centers in the nation, we’ve developed a highly effective program that incorporates solid evidence-based therapies which have been shown to increase recovery rates.
- Each person we treat receives a customized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.
- We increase recovery rates by simultaneously treating co-existing conditions such as anxiety, depression. (We also accept clients with an Eating Disorder and co-existing Diabetes).
- We provide family education and family therapy throughout the recovery process. (Offered by phone for out of town families).
Our Christian-based eating disorder treatment program warmly accepts all clients from various belief systems.
Get help now. Call 855-338-8620.
www.canopycove.com
info@CanopyCove.com
About the Author:
Margot Rittenhouse, MS, PLPC, NCC is a therapist who is passionate about providing mental health support to all in need and has worked with clients with substance abuse issues, eating disorders, domestic violence victims, and offenders, and severely mentally ill youth.
As a freelance writer for Eating Disorder Hope and Addiction Hope and a mentor with MentorConnect, Margot is a passionate eating disorder advocate, committed to de-stigmatizing these illnesses while showing support for those struggling through mentoring, writing, and volunteering. Margot has a Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University.
The 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 a 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.
Published on November 22, 2018.
Reviewed & Approved on November 22, 2018, by Jacquelyn Ekern MS, LPC
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.
