Eating disorders are illnesses, not choices.1
Eating disorders are serious biologically based mental illnesses, influenced by genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors.2
Early identification and treatment of anorexia nervosa are vitally important to minimize suffering and give the best chance for full recovery.3
Families can play an active and positive role in their child’s recovery. Long-term outcomes with family-based treatment are very promising.4
Remember, families and professionals working together create a powerful team to defeat anorexia nervosa. With early intervention and good treatment, there is every reason to be hopeful!
1. National Eating Disorders Association
2. Academy for Eating Disorders Position Paper: Eating Disorders are Serious Mental Illnesses.(2009)
3. Le Grange, D., & Loeb, K. L. (2007). Early identification and treatment of eating disorders: prodrome to syndrome. Early Intervention in Psychiatry
4. Lock, James, & Le Grange, Daniel. (2004). Help your teenager beat an eating disorder. The Guilford Press.
