Patient & Visitor Information Contact Us
Share

Articles and Tips: Parenting

Kids and Eating Disorders

Anorexia nervosa is the third most common chronic condition among adolescent girls. Its onset is precipitated by issues related to adolescence, such as the struggle for independence and identity conflicts, and it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms are similar to normal teenage dietary fads.

If undetected and untreated, anorexia nervosa can cause osteoporosis, unhealthy hormone levels, and serious abnormalities in the cardiovascular system, among other problems. Strenuous dieting in any girl of normal weight is a danger sign.

As part of an annual examination your doctor should question your child about exercise and eating habits, check the child's height and weight, and pay particular attention to certain vital signs that can indicate poor nutrition.

For a list of local resources and more details about diagnosis and treatment, call 401-444-5980.

Related links:


parenting

Bradley Hospital
Parent Guides

Bradley Hospital helps you deal with difficult parenting issues in these comprehensive reference sections:

Effective Discipline
Current attitudes, ideas and help for parents of toddlers, teens and kids in between.
En español

Alcohol & Drug Abuse
Understanding potential problems, signs of abuse, and tips for prevention and intervention.
En español

Depression & Suicide
Recognize the signs of depression, why kids fall victim and what you can do to help.
En español

Teenage Parties
What you don't know can hurt you. Tips for parents of hosts and guests. Plus, ideas for a successful bash.
En español

Life's Difficult Changes
Symptoms of transitional difficulty in parents and kids and advice for dealing with change.
En español

Parent/Child Communication
Feel like you're from different planets? Here's how to find middle ground.
En español

Childhood Chores
Why household chores are important for kids and teens.
En español

Healthful Leisure
 A little leisure might be just what your family needs. Why leisure time is important and how to add more to your life.
En español

Rhode Island Parents' Guide to Children's Mental Health
(PDF 5.07mb)

Have questions about common children's mental health problems? Download this one-stop resource for those answers plus information about advocacy organizations and support groups.

(This document requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you don't have it installed you can download it now for free.)