#eatingdisorders Tag

19 Oct

Posted at 19:51h in Mental Health Research, Pediatrics

Teen Mental Health Notice: If your teen is in immediate danger or may act on thoughts of suicide, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For crisis support, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line); teens can also reach peers at Teen Line by texting TEEN to 839863. If you are not sure whether your child is safe, contact help immediately. For eating disorder support, the National Alliance for Eating Disorders helpline is 1-866-662-1235. This post is background information only and is not a substitute for evaluation by a qualified mental health professional. Providers linked in this post are not warranted or endorsed by MedicalResearch.com or Eminent Domains Inc.

Family-based treatment is the recommended approach for teens with anorexia nervosa who have an involved caregiver, and family therapy shares the top evidence rating for teen substance use. For depression and suicidal thinking, family therapy has cut symptoms in randomized trials but has not beaten every alternative it was tested against.

For anxiety disorders, the stronger evidence sits with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication. That split matters more than any general verdict. The problem your teen has can decide whether the family is the treatment itself or the support team for a different treatment.

[caption id="attachment_76657" align="aligncenter" width="500"]teenagers-family-therapy Photo by cottonbro studio via Pexels[/caption]

30 May

Posted at 11:42h in Addiction, Mental Health Research, Weight Research
[caption id="attachment_68870" align="aligncenter" width="500"]time-to-treat-eating-disorder Photo by SHVETS production[/caption] Eating disorders affect millions of women in the U.S., yet many go untreated for years. Often masked by diet culture, anxiety, or perfectionism, these conditions can be difficult to recognize—even by those experiencing them. But when an eating disorder begins to interfere with daily life, relationships, and physical health, it may be time to seek help. Treatment isn’t just for extreme cases. Recovery becomes possible the moment the behavior is acknowledged for what it is: a serious medical and psychological condition that deserves attention. Recognizing When It’s More Than a Phase An eating disorder doesn’t always start with an obvious warning sign. It may begin with subtle restrictions, excessive exercise, or occasional bingeing, and gradually take over a woman’s sense of control, worth, and health. What’s often mistaken as “discipline” or “healthy living” can quietly escalate into a full-blown disorder that dominates thoughts, daily habits, and physical well-being. Women living with these patterns may not appear underweight. Many continue to work, socialize, or appear physically well while privately struggling with behaviors that damage both body and mind. Missed menstrual cycles, hair thinning, mood swings, and digestive issues are just a few of the common warning signs that the body is no longer coping well. These symptoms should not be brushed off as stress or fatigue. When food becomes a constant mental focus, or when guilt, shame, and secrecy follow meals, it’s a strong indicator that help may be necessary.

16 Jan

Posted at 19:40h in Author Interviews, Psychological Science
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_65957" align="alignleft" width="160"]Xinyang Yu Xinyang Yu[/caption] Xinyang Yu, PhD Candidate Institute of Psychiatry Psychology & Neuroscience King’s College London MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: This study explores how genetics, brain development, and mental health work together to influence eating behaviours in young people. By analysing data from nearly 1,000 adolescents, we investigated the relationships between eating behaviours, genetic predispositions for high BMI, and changes in brain structure and mental health from ages 14 to 23. The aim was to understand why disordered eating behaviours, such as restrictive dieting or emotional overeating, often emerge alongside mental health issues during adolescence—a time when eating disorders are increasingly common.

23 Mar

Posted at 20:41h in Author Interviews, JAMA, Mental Health Research, USPSTF, Weight Research
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_58942" align="alignleft" width="150"]Lori Pbert, Ph.D Professor, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences Associate chief of the Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine Founder and Director of the Center for Tobacco Treatment Research and Training University of Massachusetts Medical School Dr. Pbert[/caption] Lori Pbert, Ph.D Professor, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences Associate chief of the Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine Founder and Director of the Center for Tobacco Treatment Research and Training University of Massachusetts Medical School Dr. Pbert joined the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in January 2019 MedicalResearch.com:  What is the background for this study?  Response: This is the first time that the Task Force has looked at the evidence around screening for eating disorders. It was important to address this topic because of the serious harm that these conditions can cause to people’s physical and mental health, and the tremendous toll eating disorders have on individuals and families. MedicalResearch.com:  What are the main findings? Response: After reviewing the limited available research, we determined there is not enough evidence to recommend for or against screening teens and adults for eating disorders in adolescents and adults who do not have signs or symptoms of an eating disorder or concerns about their eating. It’s important to note that this recommendation is not for people who are showing signs or symptoms of eating disorders, like rapid weight loss or gain, slow heart rate, delayed puberty, or a disruption of menstruation, or for those expressing concern about their eating.