By: Bronwyn Andersen, Registered Psychologist

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can have long-term effects on physical and emotional well-being. Identifying the early warning signs of disordered eating in children and teens is crucial in preventing full-blown eating disorders. Early intervention through therapy and a collaborative family approach can make a significant difference in recovery.

Recognising the Early Warning Signs

Eating disorders often develop gradually, making it essential to recognise the subtle signs before they escalate. Some early indicators include:

• Preoccupation with Food and Weight – A sudden obsession with calorie counting, dieting, or fear of gaining weight may signal unhealthy eating behaviours. For example, a child with Anorexia Nervosa might refuse to eat meals or try to avoid food-related social situations altogether, fearing they will gain weight. A teen with Bulimia Nervosa might frequently talk about the "need" to diet but secretly engage in episodes of binge eating followed by purging.
• Changes in Eating Habits – Skipping meals, eating in secret, or an extreme focus on “healthy” eating could be red flags. A teen with Orthorexia may reject foods they consider "unclean" or unhealthy, leading to a highly restricted and rigid diet. Alternatively, a young person with Binge Eating Disorder (BED) may eat excessively at night in private, possibly hiding food wrappers.
• Dramatic Weight Fluctuations – Rapid weight loss or gain, regardless of intentionality, may indicate a developing issue. Individuals with Binge Eating Disorder (BED) may go through cycles of binge eating followed by guilt, leading to weight gain. Those with Anorexia Nervosa, on the other hand, may exhibit extreme weight loss due to restrictive eating and over-exercising.
• Excessive Exercise – If a child or teen exercises compulsively or feels guilt for missing a workout, it could point to disordered eating patterns. Anorexia Nervosa can often be associated with extreme exercise routines in an attempt to burn as many calories as possible. Conversely, a teen with Bulimia Nervosa might engage in intense exercise to "compensate" for binge eating.
• Emotional and Behavioural Shifts – Increased anxiety around mealtimes, social withdrawal, or mood swings may suggest an emerging eating disorder. Someone with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) may feel overwhelmed by the idea of eating in front of others or refuse to try new foods altogether, which could affect their social life and emotional well-being.
• Distorted Body Image – Constant negative self-talk about body shape or frequent mirror-checking can be a warning sign. Teens with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) may become obsessed with perceived flaws, spending excessive time looking in the mirror or engaging in behaviours like skin picking or hair removal, often to hide these "flaws."

The Role of Therapy in Prevention and Recovery

Seeking professional help early can prevent an eating disorder from becoming severe. Therapy provides a supportive and structured approach to recovery, helping individuals understand their relationship with food, body image, and self-esteem.

How Therapy Can Help:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – CBT is highly effective for individuals struggling with Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa, as it helps address the distorted thoughts and beliefs about body image and food. By reframing these negative thought patterns, CBT helps people develop healthier eating habits.
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – DBT can be particularly helpful for those with Binge Eating Disorder (BED), as it focuses on emotional regulation, which helps individuals manage the emotional distress that triggers binge eating. The skills learned in DBT can assist in reducing impulsive behaviours and developing healthier coping strategies.
• Nutritional Counselling – Nutritional support is essential for those with ARFID, as this condition can lead to severe food aversions and nutritional deficiencies. A nutritionist may help guide the individual through gradual exposure to different foods and educate them about balanced, healthy eating patterns.
• Building Self-Compassion – Therapy can also focus on building self-compassion, a key aspect of recovery from all eating disorders, including Orthorexia and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). Challenging perfectionism and developing a more positive relationship with one’s body is essential for long-term recovery.

Collaborative Approaches: Family and Community Support

Family involvement is crucial in both prevention and recovery. A collaborative approach ensures that the child or teen receives consistent support in and outside of therapy. For example, family-based therapy (FBT) is an effective treatment for adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa, as it helps empower families to support the teen in restoring healthy eating behaviours while maintaining a positive relationship with food.

How Families Can Help:

• Open Communication – Families can create a safe, non-judgmental environment for their child to discuss their feelings about food, body image, and any anxiety they may have surrounding eating. This open dialogue can help prevent the development of unhealthy behaviours.
• Model Healthy Eating Habits – Parents can model balanced eating patterns and avoid discussing weight or body size in a negative light. For example, they can focus on the health benefits of a variety of foods instead of labelling them as “good” or “bad.”
• Supportive Environment – Families can encourage activities that don't centre on food, such as family outings or creative hobbies, to promote a well-rounded sense of identity beyond body image or food-related concerns.

If you’re interested in speaking to a member of our team about support needs or concerns you may have about yourself or a loved one, please reach out to a member of our team at enquiries@spencerhealth.com.au.

Together, we can support you or your child’s mental health and eating behaviours in order to assist them to be the best version of themselves.