Has my daughter got an eating disorder?

[vickiej34]

F is 12. For a few months she has been wearing 5-6 tops, when questioned she is very defensive, I thought she was trying to cover up developing. She has been secretly eating, biscuits, crisps, cakes, I find empty packets all the time. She told me she is trying to put on weight. Today she screamed at me to get out of bathroom, I went in and she broke down. Says she feels sick, so is sick x2 a day but doesn't make herself sick. When she showed me her tummy I was shocked. So thin! She would not agree to be weighed. She has agreed to see GP. This to me is confusing and does not match classic anorexia. Please help xx

[Eatingdisordersdevon]

Hi sorry to hear your concerns about your daughter. From what you say here, it does sound like something is going on with your daughter and her eating habits. Whether she has a recognised eating disorder or not, I do not know, but in my opinion, it actually doesn't matter whether or not she fits certain criteria to be diagnosed, the fact that this is probably causing her distress and problems in her life is enough to indicate me that she could probably do with some help. Please take her to her GP, and insist on some support within is. Happy to speak with you on the. Phone if you wish.

eatingdisordersdevon.co.uk

[vickiej34 in reply to Eatingdisordersdevon]

Thank u x

[piglet11]

it does sound like your daughter has some sort of problem with food , take her to a gp to get some help

[vickiej34 in reply to piglet11]

Thank u x

[Hidden]

Hi, sorry to hear about your daughter. It is good that she has let you into her "secret" at least to some extent. It is also hopeful that she has agreed to see the GP. Is she willing to sit down with you and for you both to talk about the important facts and your hopes before going to the appointment? I'll be thinking of you and your family, especially F.

[vickiej34 in reply to Hidden]

Thank u x

[PoppyRose]

You need to take her to the GP to start with and they should contact the local Eating Disorder services. Don't feel the disorder needs to be categorized - that could lead to misunderstanding her or her being treated incorrectly. My daughter has an ED but is somewhere with Anorexia and Bulimia.

[vickiej34 in reply to PoppyRose]

Thank u x

[vickiej34]

Thank you all so much for your replies. I made an appointment with GP, so we shall see where that leads. She tells me she has made her lunch and already put in her bag,should I ask to see it? Today I found her lunch untouched .

[PoppyRose in reply to vickiej34]

There are so many 'tricks' you will come across with E.D. depending on your relationship with your daughter only you can answer that one. As a parent you WANT to check, just bear in mind it may go straight in the bin if she does take it to school and you will be non the wiser ... so would it make a difference if you checked?

There is a good practical book with case scenarios called 'Skills-based Learning for Caring for a Loved One with an Eating Disorder' - Janet Treasure, Grainne Smith and Anna Crane. It's one the ED Clinic recommend. A good one to keep referring to if you notice odd things and need to understand further. Like behaviour changes, regression, over seasoning food and departmentalizing food.... how to support your child.

Keep us informed, thinking of you.

PR