The Mental Health Impact of Eating Disorders on Teens
This blog post addresses an important and sobering topic that affects many families: the mental health impact of eating disorders on teenagers. When a young person is struggling with an eating disorder the effects extend far beyond physical health. These disorders can profoundly impact a teen's mental and emotional well-being, often leading to significant anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges.
The Psychological Toll of Malnutrition: Insights from the Ancel Keys Starvation Study
We’ve all experienced becoming ‘hangry’ after not eating enough. It’s true, most of us need consistent nutrition to feel emotional stable, have good attention and concentration, and enough energy to get through our day. Research, such as the Ancel Keys starvation study conducted during World War II, has shed light on the profound psychological effects of malnutrition. In this study healthy individuals, meaning they had no prior physical or mental health conditions, were required to restrict food intake and lose weight to determine the effects of malnutrition. This study revealed that individuals experiencing starvation exhibited mental health symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, depression, obsessive thoughts, and impaired concentration. These findings underscore how malnutrition, a common consequence of eating disorders, can directly impact a person's mental health and cognitive functioning.
Anxiety and Depression: Common Co-Occurring Conditions
Depression is a common companion of eating disorders in adolescents. Research shows that up to 79% of teens with anorexia nervosa and 73% with bulimia nervosa experience symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) at some point during their illness. The relentless focus on body weight and shape, along with the physical effects of malnutrition, can contribute to feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and sadness.
Anxiety disorders frequently co-occur with eating disorders in teens. It's estimated that around 65-85% of adolescents with eating disorders also meet criteria for an anxiety disorder such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Anxiety symptoms may intensify in response to food-related situations, social interactions, or perceived body imperfections, leading to heightened distress and avoidance behaviors.
Risk of Suicide in Teen Eating Disorders
Perhaps the most concerning statistic is the elevated risk of suicide among teens with eating disorders. Studies have found that individuals with eating disorders are significantly more likely to experience suicidal ideation and attempt suicide compared to their peers without eating disorders. In fact, the mortality rate for anorexia nervosa due to suicide is among the highest of any psychiatric disorder.
According to recent data:
Suicidal Ideation: Approximately 20-30% of adolescents with eating disorders report thoughts of suicide.
Suicide Attempts: The rate of suicide attempts among individuals with eating disorders is estimated to be 23 times higher than in the general population.
Addressing the Statistics: Importance of Early Intervention and Support
Understanding these statistics highlights the urgent need for early intervention and comprehensive support for teens struggling with eating disorders. The combination of physical health concerns, intense emotional distress, and distorted thinking patterns can contribute to suicidal thoughts. As parents, educators, and healthcare providers, it's crucial to recognize the warning signs of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation in adolescents with eating disorders. Therefore, it's essential to take any mention of suicidal ideation seriously and seek immediate professional help.
How Parents Can Help: Safety Planning and Support
As a parent, your role in supporting a teen with a mental health condition is invaluable. Here are some important steps you can take:
Open Communication: Encourage open and non-judgmental communication with your teen. Create a safe space for them to express their feelings and concerns.
Early Identification: Be vigilant about recognizing signs of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation in teens with eating disorders. Seek professional help promptly if you notice concerning behaviors or changes in mood.
Safety Planning: If your teen expresses thoughts of self-harm or suicide, develop a safety plan together. This plan should include strategies for managing distress, trusted emergency contacts, reasons that life is worthwhile, and access to mental health resources.
Promote Skill Building: When anxiety and depression are high, the use of coping skills can be the tool to take the edge off and get through stressful moments. Identify both internal and external skills, such as deep belly breathing or taking a walk through a favorite park. Skills can become a daily practice to promote overall mental health as well as a resource in moments of high distress.
Professional Help: Seek guidance from mental health professionals specializing in eating disorders and mental health. Therapy, medical monitoring, medication, and nutritional counseling can be vital components of treatment.
Encourage Treatment Adherence: Support your teen in attending therapy sessions, medical appointments, and adhering to their treatment plan. Recovery from an eating disorder is a gradual process that requires patience and consistent support.
Provide Support: Offer unconditional support and encouragement to teens in treatment for eating disorders. Validate their feelings and concerns while emphasizing the importance of seeking help for mental health issues.
Remember, navigating an eating disorder and mental health conditions can be challenging for both teens and their families. By educating yourself, seeking professional guidance, and providing unwavering support, you can play a crucial role in your teen's journey towards recovery. If you have concerns about your teen's mental health or eating habits, don't hesitate to reach out to a qualified mental health professional for personalized guidance and support.
If you are seeking eating disorder treatment or mental health therapy for you or your adolescent, Cypress Wellness Collective can help. Cypress Wellness Collective is located in the San Francisco Bay Area where they specialize in Family Based Treatment (FBT), therapy, and nutrition counseling for teens, adults, and families going through eating disorder recovery. They offer in person and virtual appointments throughout all of California. Call today for your free consultation to see if Cypress Wellness Collective is right for you!
References:
1. Arcelus, J., Mitchell, A. J., Wales, J., & Nielsen, S. (2011). Mortality rates in patients with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders: A meta-analysis of 36 studies. Archives of General Psychiatry, 68(7), 724-731.
2. Keys, A., Brozek, J., Henschel, A., Mickelsen, O., & Taylor, H. L. (1950). The biology of human starvation (Vol. 1-2). University of Minnesota Press.
3. Pisetsky, E. M., Thornton, L. M., Lichtenstein, P., Pedersen, N. L., & Bulik, C. M. (2013). Suicide attempts in women with eating disorders. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 122(4), 1042-1056.
4. Preti, A., Rocchi, M. B., Sisti, D., Camboni, M. V., & Miotto, P. (2011). A comprehensive meta-analysis of the risk of suicide in eating disorders. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 124(1), 6-17.
5. Swinbourne, J. M., & Touyz, S. W. (2007). The co-morbidity of eating disorders and anxiety disorders: A review. European Eating Disorders Review, 15(4), 253-274.