Bulimia Nervosa: Getting Your Teen Help

Early treatment is vital. As bulimia becomes more entrenched, its damage becomes less reversible. Once you feel you have seen the signs in your teenager, talk to your child's doctor. Error on the side of caution when dealing with possible eating disorders.

Usually, the family is asked to help in the treatment, which may include psychotherapy, nutrition counseling, behavior modification, and self-help groups. Therapy often lasts a year or more-on an outpatient basis unless life-threatening physical symptoms or severe psychological problems require hospitalization. If there is deterioration or no response to therapy, the patient, (or parent or other advocate), may want to talk to the health professional about the plan of treatment.

There are no drugs approved specifically for bulimia or anorexia, but several, including some antidepressants, are being investigated for this use.

If you think your teenager has bulimia, point out in a caring, nonjudgmental way the behavior you have observed. Take them to their doctor and/or therapist. Encourage your teenager to work with their doctors and therapists. Most of all, be there to support them.

Parenting Quizzes for Parents of Teens

• Quiz: Are you raising a healthy teen?
  
• Quiz: Is your teen safe online?
  
• Quiz: Do you have a case of parental burnout?
  
• Quiz: Is your teen over-scheduled?
  
• Quiz: Are you raising a mean girl?
  
• How Well Do You Really Know Your Teen?
  
• Screening Quiz: Is Your Teen Lying?
  

Research information from the FDA.