Some characteristics or family traits associated with anorexia include:

• excessive concern within the family with outward appearances, including body shape and weight
• parental focus on perfection and performance; harsh criticism for mistakes and inappropriate ways of dealing with conflict
• family history of sexual abuse
• strained relationship between husband and wife
• arbitrary role boundaries where children are encouraged to act more responsible than their age should permit and to take on roles or responsibilities for which they are psychologically ill-prepared

Medical complications

The physical complications associated with anorexia nervosa are potentially life-threatening. Damage to vital organs as a result of dehydration and malnutrition can result in:

• low blood pressure
• electrolyte imbalance
• cardiac arrhythmias
• thyroid gland deficiencies which can lead to cold intolerance and constipation
• appearance of fine baby-like body hair (lanugo)
• bloating or edema
• decrease in white blood cells, which leads to increased susceptibility to infection
• osteoporosis
• tooth erosion and decay from malnutrition and self-induced vomiting
• seizures related to fluid shifts due to excessive diarrhea or vomiting

The course and outcome of anorexia vary. Catching it in the early stages is associated with better treatment outcomes. Affirming our daughters true beauty and unconditional worth is both the best medicine and prevention.

If you think your daughter has anorexia talk with your child’s pediatrician, or your family doctor. They can assist you in finding a qualified mental health professional.

Share This

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

About the author

Dr. Drew Edwards
Dr. Drew Edwards is a behavioral health researcher, author, counselor, and the youth culture expert and consultant for the nationally syndicated reality television programs Ultimate Choice, and Real Girls-Real Life. In 2006 he founded ENNOBLE, Inc., a non profit educational foundation created to rescue teens and empower parents through the creative expression of Christian principles. His website, www.drdrewedwards.org, is a product of that mission. He has been working with families for twenty years. Dr. Drew was formerly Clinical Assistant Professor in the department of psychiatry and health behavior at the Medical College of Georgia. Previously he served as Associate Director of Psychiatry at the University of Florida. His appointment included program development, clinical practice and clinical instruction for psychiatric residents and postdoctoral fellows in the division of addiction medicine. Dr. Drew has published numerous peer reviewed and popular articles on parenting, behavioral health, addictions, depression/chronic illness and youth culture, as well handbooks for parents on childhood depression and self-esteem in children. He speaks at conferences and presents seminars throughout the United States on parenting, youth culture, teen sex, pornography, addictive disease and eating disorders. He also provides weekly parenting advice on 88.1 FM, The Promise, in Jacksonville and northeast Florida. He joined the staff of the PAYH in 2008.

Related Posts