Eating Disorders during Adolescence

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The stage of adolescence contains major changes which can bring stress, confusion, and anxiety. Feelings of self-consciousness, low self esteem and comparison with peers start occurring during this time. Along with the physical changes there is also hormonal and brain changes that affect the adolescent physically, mentally, emotionally, and psychologically. During this time a person can feel tremendous pressure to find their place in the world among a great deal of confusion (“Eating Disorders and Adolescence,” 2013). Body image concerns and peer pressure are heightened during the period of adolescence, and are potential risk factors in the development of an eating disorder. While eating disorders can affects males and females of all ages, the average age of onset for Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and disordered eating takes place during adolescence. These disorders are often a coping mechanism for people to attempt to gain control of their situation when they feel helpless among other aspects of life (“Eating Disorders and Adolescence,” 2013). Eating disorders in children and teens can lead to a number of serious physical problems and even death (Kam, n.d.). An eating disorder is characterized when eating, exercise and body image become an obsession that preoccupies someone’s life. There are a variety of eating disorders that can affect a person and are associated with different characteristics and causes. Most cases can be linked to low self esteem and an attempt to, “deal with underlying psychological issues through an unhealthy relationship with food” (“Eating Disorders and Adolescence,” 2013). Eating disorders typically develop during adolescence or early adulthood, with females being most vulner... ... middle of paper ... ...&Show=Object. Ornstein, R., Rosen, D., Mammel, K., Callahan, S., Forman, S., Jay, M., Fisher, M., Rome, E., & Walsh, B. (2013). Distribution of eating disorders in children and adolescens using the proposed DSM-5 criteria for feeding and eating disorders. Journal of Adolescent Health, 53(2). Retrieved from http://ejournals.ebsco.com.ezproxy.gsu.edu/Direct.asp?AccessToken=9IQ51IJ8XQQJD ZM49K491QP5IUKR8IDXQQ&Show=Object. Rogge, T. (2013). Anorexia Nervosa. The New York Times: Health Guide. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/anorexia-nervosa/overview.html. What is Anorexia? (2012). Eating Disorders Victoria. Retrieved from http://www.eatingdisorders.org.au/eating-disorders/anorexia-nervosa. What is Bulimia? (2012). Eating disorders Victoria. Retrieved from http://www.eatingdisorders.org.au/eating-disorders/bulimia-nervosa.

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