The Importance Of Family Involvement In Adolescent EDs
In recent decades, there has been a worrying and alarming increase in cases and diagnoses of eating disorders, also known as eating disorders. More and more people—and younger—are affected. The media, advertising and social networks are considered to have a great weight in this increase.
In this article we will briefly explain what EDs are, what the risk factors and causes are. Once the foundations have been laid, we will delve into the importance of the involvement of families during all phases (prevention, treatment and recovery) of eating disorders in adolescents.
As the ICD-11 diagnostic manual describes, eating disorders encompass all those behaviors considered abnormal in relation to eating. In order to consider this diagnosis, the alterations cannot be explained by another health condition and are not expected due to the person’s level of development or the cultural context.
Although the best known are usually anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, there are other diagnoses that are found in this category. That is, both problems related to concern about weight, physical appearance and/or intake and those that are not linked to this aspect but are related to diet are included.
It is crucial to keep in mind that The diagnosis of an eating disorder must be carried out by expert mental health professionals specialized in the subject.. Various interviews and evaluations are necessary to determine the severity of the situation and the necessary intervention.
As with most human problems, the causes can be multiple and vary depending on each person. Therefore, it is essential that each family asks for professional help as soon as possible since this will allow them to know what is happening in each case.
However, It is important to keep in mind that there are aspects such as social factors that may be having a great influence on the development of diseases of this type.. It is considered a risk factor for an adolescent to be exposed to the culture of thinness and diet, modified images on social networks and pressure from the media.
There are other individual factors that will also be relevant in this context. Having low self-esteem, showing a tendency towards perfectionism and high self-demand, in addition to other possible emotional problems, are also considered risk factors.
The family in the prevention of eating disorders
In addition to what was discussed in the previous section, it is crucial to understand that certain family dynamics can contribute to the appearance of an eating disorder. The fact of not respecting the spaces of other family members (crowding), overprotection, excessive control, rigidity and the involvement of children in parental problems are factors that put minors at risk.
Fortunately, The family can also contribute to prevention and minimize the probability of EDs appearing.. When the family is a system that provides protection and security as well as autonomy and emotional support, the healthy physical and emotional development of adolescents is enhanced.
The development of an eating disorder is not always related to family dynamics. It can also be a way to express emotional discomfort caused by another situation, such as bullying, for example. If the family can identify the warning signs, early detection of the problem is facilitated and intervention will begin as soon as possible.
The family in the treatment of EDs
The role of the family during the treatment of an eating disorder is crucial. Its involvement can be at various levels. Some are likely to opt for interventions that involve the entire family. Taking into account that we are talking about eating disorders in adolescents, this is a really interesting option.
However, other families will provide their support and emotional accompaniment during the process that the adolescent carries out individually and this is a totally valid and important option as well.
Be that as it may, during the process the family will play an essential role in aspects such as the restructuring of family dynamics. Those that are dysfunctional should be changed for others that encourage accompaniment and support. Furthermore, the family can also be crucial in aspects such as adherence to treatment and intervention plans.
The family in recovery and prevention of relapses from eating disorders
Even when the adolescent no longer presents symptoms and the acute phase of treatment is considered to have ended, the family is a key aspect. The accompaniment and emotional support provided at the family level will be crucial in preventing relapses.. Open, fluid and judgment-free communication is a fundamental aspect during the process.
The family can help establish self-care routines and activities that promote the emotional, physical and mental well-being of all members. In addition, it will also be important for the family system to be aware of the signs that may indicate a possible relapse in order to be able to address this situation as soon as possible.
