Fluid loss (dehydration) from anorexia may lead to highly concentrated urine. Gaining weight and taking some medicines can help fix it. Normal movement in the intestinal tract often slows down with very restricted eating and severe weight loss. About half of children with this health problem have a low white blood cell count (leukopenia).ĭigestive tract. About 1 in 3 children with anorexia have a low red blood cell count (mild anemia). He or she may also have low blood pressure.īlood. A child may have a slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat. Damage to the heart can happen because of malnutrition or repeated vomiting. What are possible complications of anorexia nervosa in a child?Īnorexia and the malnutrition that results can harm nearly every organ system in the body. Your child may need to go to the hospital for problems linked to weight loss and malnutrition. Parents play a vital role in any treatment. Because of this, both your child’s healthcare provider and a nutritionist must be active members of the care team. It can be severe enough that it leads to death. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.Īntidepressant medicines, if your child is also depressedĪnorexia is a serious condition that causes frequent health problems. Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. How is anorexia nervosa treated in a child? In some cases, your child may need mental health testing. He or she will talk with parents and teachers about the child’s behavior. But many children first keep their illness very private and hidden.Ī child psychiatrist or a mental health expert can diagnose anorexia. Parents, teachers, and coaches may be able to spot a child or teen with anorexia.
How is anorexia nervosa diagnosed in a child? Have your child see his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis. These symptoms may seem like other health problems.
#ANOREXIA SUCCESS STORY SKIN#
Very dry skin (when pinched and let go, it stays pinched) Many physical symptoms linked to anorexia are often due to starvation and malnourishment. In girls, miss 3 menstrual periods without some other causeĭo a lot of physical activity to help speed up weight lossīe socially withdrawn, grouchy, moody, or depressed Refuse to stay at the minimum normal body weight For example, the child sees his or her own body as too fat, even when very underweight. Have a distorted view of his or her body weight, size, or shape. He or she may:įear becoming obese, even as he or she is losing weight
What are the symptoms of anorexia nervosa in a child?Įach child’s symptoms may vary. But it is now found in all socioeconomic groups and in many ethnic and racial groups. The disorder was first seen in upper-class and middle-class families. Which children are at risk for anorexia nervosa? They may have other mental health problems, such as an anxiety disorder. They are also likely to cut themselves off from others. Children with anorexia may be dependent and emotionally immature. Parents may be intrusive and overprotective.
Other mental health problems, such as depression or substance abuseĬhildren with anorexia often come from families that are very rigid and critical. Other things that may play a role in anorexia are:Ĭhildren with anorexia are more likely to come from families with a history of: But it slowly changes to extreme and unhealthy weight loss. They may also take large amounts of laxatives or other medicines that clear out the intestines.Įxperts don’t know what causes anorexia nervosa. Children with bulimia eat too much food (binge) and then make themselves throw up. This often includes foods high in carbohydrates and fat.īulimic (binging and purging) type. Children with this type severely limit how much food they eat. Anorexia nervosa is sometimes called anorexia. It also leads to other behavior that stops them from gaining weight. This leads them to severely restrict how much food they eat. Children and teens with this health problem have a distorted body image. Anorexia Nervosa in Children What is anorexia nervosa in children?Īnorexia nervosa is an eating disorder.