Think teen daughter is developing eating disorder, what are next steps?

[Anonymous]

My brother has good luck with the eating disorder clinic at Shepherd Pratt for my niece.

https://www.sheppardpratt.org/care-finder/the-center-for-eating-disorders-at-sheppard-pratt/

I've also heard good things about Children's, referenced by the previous poster.

[Anonymous]

Also check out Center for Discovery- i am the previous poster about my dds intensive in patient treatment. Most places will have waiting lists- so try to get on as many as you can. While waiting try to see a therapist that specializes in eating disorder and a nutrionalist and can help you with refeeding if necessary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you tried to talk to her about her diet and body? I’d start there.

No, that’s the wrong move.

OP, you have described an eating disorder exactly. F.E.A.S.T. is a great resource, and you can sign up (it’s free) for the first 30 days program.

This is an unregulated field. Your pediatrician likely has no training in this. You can get an eating disorder evaluation through CNMC - that is what I would recommend first.

+1 for FEAST. You’ve got a steep learning curve and will be second-guessed every step of the way. There are a number of YouTube videos by Eva Musby that can also help.

If the pediatrician starts talking about her BMI, run the other way. It’s a clear sign that they don’t know much about this topic. Dieticians and psychologists are not very useful until phase 2, once weight has already been restored and their brains are less-hijacked by the ED. Psychiatrists can be helpful if you’ve got other symptoms (like depression or anxiety) holding her back.

The one thing that gives your daughter the best shot at a full recovery is to get the weight on .. plus extra to allow for further brain and body growth, as fast as possible. You start by taking control over all her meals - 3 main + 3 snacks - she needs to finish everything on her plate. Be careful for signs of over-exercising and/or purging/laxatives. If you can’t manage this or if she can’t/won’t cooperate enough to gain the weight, a clinic or residential facility may be in order.

EDs are terrifying & will turn your world upside down. Stay strong. I’m so sorry & hope your daughter recovers.

Solid advice in this post. Do not waste time. Do not try to coax or reason with her. Do not trust the ED if she says she’s eating or will eat. Take control asap. Life stops until she eats. It’s very hard but you’ve got this.

[Anonymous]

Residential program asap

[Anonymous]

Residential home before they turn 18. After that you have zero say.

[Anonymous]

Hi, thank you for all your suggestions. We live in Arlington, any resources in NOVA we should consider? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

OP, you can go to nationaleatingdisorders.org to find treatment options by zip code. cross check that list with your insurance. You will need to be willing to spend time on the phone & getting on waitlists.

Look for doctors who can do a medical evaluation specific to eating disorders - bloodwork might be "in range" on all items but someone trained can see what's still off from restricting food. When we were working toward admitting our daughter for residential treatment, they wanted recent bloodwork, current vitals, and growth charts.

Look for a place that uses "Family Based Therapy." The book a PP mentioned is a really good one (how to help your teen fight an eating disorder) and you probably need to read it TODAY and start some of the changes in your home now. Don't wait. These things don't get better on their own and what you are noticing is already a pretty established disorder at work.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

How much time are your teen daughters spending on Instagram or TikTok ?

It should be zero.