Eating Disorders

Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and compulsive overeating are becoming increasingly common in children and youth.

The earlier eating disorders are acknowledged, diagnosed, and treated, the more likely that the person has to recover completely. Unfortunately, many teenagers and children do not receive treatment for their eating disorders until their illness is at an advanced stage. Youth with eating disorders often try to hide them or their family and friends know but are in denial. Some family members may simply be unaware of the signs of eating disorders.

The following resources may be useful for parents or educators who are working with youth to prevent or address problems with eating disorders:

1. Eating Disorders: About More Than Food: This brochure provides information about common eating disorders anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, and various approaches to treatment. This resource was developed by the National Institutes of Health.
   Link: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders/eatingdiso...
    
2. National Eating Disorder Association Parent Toolkit: This toolkit is for anyone who wants to understand more about how to support a family member or friend affected by an eating disorder. You will find answers to your insurance questions; signs, symptoms and medical consequences; information about treatment and levels of care; and questions to ask when choosing a treatment provider. This resource was developed by the National Eating Disorder Association. 
   Link: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/sites/default/files/Toolkits/Par...
    
3. National Eating Disorder Association Educator Toolkit: This toolkit is a resource for educators, staff who work in a school setting or those who work with youth outside of school. If you want to understand more about eating disorders, if you’d like to know how to support students and young people who may be affected, this information will help you. This resource was developed by the National Eating Disorder Association.
   Link: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/sites/default/files/nedaw18/2.%2...
    
4. National Eating Disorder Association Coach & Athletic Trainer Toolkit: This toolkit is a resource for staff who work in gyms, school settings, outside athletic groups, dance studios, etc. who would like to know how to support athletes who may be affected by eating disorders. We've included frequently asked questions and common myths about eating disorders, strategies for assisting athletes and much more. This resource was developed by the National Eating Disorder Association.
   Link: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/sites/default/files/nedaw18/3.%2...
    
5. Facts about Eating Disorders: What the Research Shows: This factsheet is a resource for anyone looking to gain an understanding on the impact of eating disorders. This resource was developed by the Eating Disorders Coalition.
   Link: http://eatingdisorderscoalition.org.s208556.gridserver.com/couch/uploads...
    
6. Clients with Substance Use and Eating Disorders: This resources provides service providers with information about eating disorders and their relationship to substance use disorders. It provides an overview of screening, referrals, and evidence-based treatments for eating disorders and lists resources for more information. This resource was developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
   Link: https://store.samhsa.gov/system/files/sma10-4617.pdf
    
7. Facts for Families: Teenagers with Eating Disorders: This factsheet provides information on anorexia nervosa and bulimia and some common symptoms that parents can use to assess whether their child is at risk. This resource was developed by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
   Link: https://www.aacap.org/App_Themes/AACAP/docs/facts_for_families/02_teenag...