Content
Childhood anorexia is an eating disorder in which the child refuses to eat, and the signs and symptoms of this type of disorder may appear from the first of life. In addition to constant refusal to eat, the child may experience a lot of anxiety, vomiting or fasting for a long time, for example.
Often, constant refusal to eat is a way of gaining parental attention and, therefore, the fact that there is an insistence on eating can further aggravate the symptoms and lead to childhood anorexia.
It is important that the signs and symptoms of anorexia in the child are identified early, as it is possible that the pediatrician together with the psychologist will be able to establish the best treatment for the child.
Signs that may indicate anorexia in the child
The main signs and symptoms that may indicate childhood anorexia are:
- Constant food refusal or at certain times of the day;
- Make long fasts;
- Having a lot of anxiety;
- Present sadness and disinterest, which may indicate depression;
- Have weakness;
- Vomiting after eating, in some cases;
- Finding yourself fat, even though you are thin.
In the presence of these symptoms, it is recommended that parents seek guidance from the pediatrician, so that the signs and symptoms presented by the child can be investigated and appropriate treatment can be established in order to promote the child's proper development.
Causes of childhood anorexia
Childhood anorexia itself, in which the child is already worried about not gaining weight since very early, is very related to the behavior and example of parents, friends and television in relation to food, especially when there are people with anorexia in the family, since it is with them that the child can learn or hear negative comments such as that the food is fattening or that the food is bad.
In addition, childhood anorexia can also be related to verbal abuse and aggression towards the child, or other situations in which he / she starts to have an early concern for the body.
However, there are other causes of loss of appetite that are more common, and can be associated with problems, such as:
- Teeth growth;
- Diseases;
- Irritability;
- Anxiety;
- Depression;
- Ingestion of medications;
- Indigestion;
- Fear of proving something new.
Another important cause of loss of appetite is the presence of poor family eating habits, when there is no right time to eat, or when the child has become accustomed to eating only treats. In this case, it is not an anorexia itself, but a selective feeding syndrome, a situation in which the child only eats some foods, having an aversion to others. Learn more about selective eating disorder.
In addition, between 12 and 24 months, it is normal for the child to start eating much less than he ate before, this being a normal condition called physiological anorexia in the second year of life. And to prevent this situation from lasting longer, it is necessary for parents to let the child eat as much food as he wants, at the time he wants.
How the treatment is done
To treat childhood anorexia it is important that the child is accompanied by a psychotherapist, pediatrician and nutritionist, as it is necessary to identify the cause of anorexia in addition to promoting changes in the child's eating habits. In addition, as it is a slow process and can be very stressful for the child, it is essential that they have support and support from the family.
The use of medications, such as antidepressants, may be necessary when the child has severe depression or anxiety, and are guided by the child psychiatrist. Hospitalization may be necessary when the lack of food causes impairment of the child's physical health, such as anemia or difficulty walking, for example.
Treatment should be done as soon as possible, as soon as the disease is identified, because, despite being transient in most cases, anorexia can worsen and cause other more serious psychological disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder and severe depression.
How to make your child eat better
It is oriented to offer the child a healthy and balanced diet, however it is important to let the child eat as much food as he wants, being a way to make him more comfortable with the food. Thus, it is possible for the child to keep in mind that eating is a pleasure and not an obligation, improving the condition of anorexia.
Children should not be forced to eat, nor should they offer tasty, but not nutritious, foods such as ice cream, chips, cookies or chocolate after the child refuses a plate of food.
Here are some strategies to increase your appetite and get your child to eat: