HELP! I have a question for Jacqui!

Dear Jacqui,

My name is Tina from Lake Mary, Florida. I have a 15 year old daughter who is very active and extremely body conscious. I think she could benefit from therapy, but I don’t know what to do because I don’t want to push her away. Can she have an eating disorder and I not notice? If that is possible, what are some signs that I can be looking for?

Sincerely,

Tina

Dear Tina,

Thank you for writing Tina, the questions you posed are excellent questions to ask. Often times an eating disorder can develop slowly, gradually, and in secret so it can be very difficult to notice even for a parent. It can also be difficult for parents to distinguish between normal adolescent development or picky eating behaviors and an eating disorder. Most adolescents go through a period in which they eat more or less than usual. Signs that you can look for include extreme dieting, restriction in all types of foods (not just sweets or desserts), extreme exercising, preoccupation with food, eating in private, using the restroom immediately after eating, or unusual eating rituals such as measuring foods or only using certain bowls or plates. Having your daughter come in to therapy is a great idea even if you are still unsure if she has some kind of disordered eating, not necessarily a full blown eating disorder. Please feel free to visit www.heathrowcounselingcenter.org or www.edap.org for more information or call 407-956-5773.

Jacqui Williams