 Eating Disorders
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There are three types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and ED-NOS ("Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified"). Eating disorders are common among adolescent girls in the U.S. and in industrialized nations. Many studies suggest that there has been an increase in the number of cases of anorexia nervosa and bulimia over the past 50 years in the U.S. The onset of anorexia nervosa usually occurs during adolescence or young adulthood. Anorexia nervosa is the third most common chronic disease in the U.S., and 95% of cases occur in females. It is estimated that 0.48% of 15-19 year olds have anorexia nervosa, 1-5% of adolescents have bulimia, and 3-5% of 15-30 year old women have eating disorders not otherwise specified (ED-NOS). People with these disorders often have an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted image of what they look like. When people begin to be afraid of gaining weight and are starving themselves, bingeing and purging, and over-exercising, they are considered to have an Eating Disorder. Eating Disorders are dangerous and can be fatal. Early diagnosis and treatment are important.
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The evaluation of the adolescent in whom an eating disorder is suspected includes a careful patient and family history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and mental health and nutritional assessments. The patient history includes an assessment of weight changes, self perceptions of weight and desired weight, bingeing and out of control eating and purging, and use of laxatives and diet pills. The social history includes a review of risk factors focusing on the home, education, and activities. A family history includes information about eating disorders within the family, obesity, alcoholism, depression, or other mental illness. The patient is asked questions about abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, esophagitis associated with bulimia, hair loss or texture change associated with anorexia nervosa, cold intolerance, fatigue, weakness, fainting, substance use, sexuality, depression, amount of physical exercise, and stress fractures. A general physical examination assesses blood pressure, pulse, temperature, weight and height, skin and hair changes, heart function, and the abdomen.
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Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston are searching for answers to questions about eating disorders.
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- What are the best treatments to prevent osteoporosis (low bone density) in adolescent girls?
- What is the right environment for middle schools to prevent eating disorders?
- What impact did the National Eating Disorder Screening Day in 2000 have on youth and their schools?
- What is the best outpatient and inpatient protocol to help young people with eating disorders recover from their illness?
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