Posted: April 30th, 2022

What are the ways of improving the quality of life in children with cerebral palsy?

What are the ways of improving the quality of life in children with cerebral palsy?
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. They can have devastating consequences for physical, psychological and social development, especially during adolescence and young adulthood. In this blog post, we will explore some of the ways that eating disorders can impact development and how to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with one.

Physical development

Eating disorders can interfere with normal growth and development by depriving the body of essential nutrients, hormones and energy. This can lead to various health problems, such as:

– Stunted height and delayed puberty
– Osteoporosis and bone fractures
– Dental erosion and tooth decay
– Hair loss and dry skin
– Anemia and low blood pressure
– Heart problems and organ failure

These physical complications can affect not only the current health but also the future well-being of individuals with eating disorders. For example, osteoporosis can increase the risk of fractures later in life, and heart problems can cause permanent damage to the cardiovascular system.

Psychological development

Eating disorders can also impair cognitive, emotional and social development by affecting the brain’s structure and function. This can result in:

– Impaired memory and concentration
– Reduced problem-solving and decision-making skills
– Low self-esteem and distorted body image
– Depression and anxiety
– Obsessive-compulsive behaviors and perfectionism
– Isolation and withdrawal from friends and family

These psychological effects can hinder the academic, professional and personal achievements of individuals with eating disorders. For instance, impaired memory and concentration can affect the learning process and academic performance, while low self-esteem and distorted body image can affect the sense of identity and self-worth.

Social development

Eating disorders can also disrupt social development by affecting the relationships and interactions with others. This can cause:

– Difficulty in expressing and regulating emotions
– Lack of trust and intimacy
– Conflict and misunderstanding
– Bullying and stigma
– Social anxiety and avoidance
– Loneliness and alienation

These social consequences can limit the opportunities for individuals with eating disorders to form meaningful connections and to enjoy life. For example, difficulty in expressing and regulating emotions can affect the communication and coping skills, while lack of trust and intimacy can affect the attachment and bonding with others.

How to get help

Eating disorders are treatable conditions that require professional help. If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, you should not hesitate to seek help from a qualified health care provider. There are various treatment options available, such as:

– Psychotherapy: This involves talking to a therapist who can help you understand the causes and effects of your eating disorder, challenge your negative thoughts and beliefs, develop healthy coping strategies, and improve your self-esteem and body image.
– Medication: This may include antidepressants, antianxiety drugs or other medications that can help you manage your mood, reduce your distress, or address any underlying medical issues.
– Nutrition counseling: This involves working with a dietitian who can help you create a balanced meal plan that meets your nutritional needs, corrects any deficiencies, restores your weight, and promotes your physical health.
– Support groups: This involves joining a group of people who share similar experiences with eating disorders, who can offer you emotional support, practical advice, encouragement, and hope.

Recovery from eating disorders is possible with proper treatment and support. You do not have to suffer alone or in silence. You deserve to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

Bibliography

American Psychiatric Association (2013) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edn) Arlington VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

Arcelus J, Mitchell AJ, Wales J et al (2011) ‘Mortality rates in patients with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders: a meta-analysis of 36 studies’ Archives of General Psychiatry 68(7) 724–731.

Bulik CM (2014) ‘The challenges of treating anorexia nervosa’ The Lancet 383(9912) 105–106.

National Institute of Mental Health (2018) Eating Disorders accessed 5 December 2023.

Smink FRE, van Hoeken D, Hoek HW (2012) ‘Epidemiology of eating disorders: incidence, prevalence and mortality rates’ Current Psychiatry Reports 14(4) 406–414.

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