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Eating Disorder

What is an Eating Disorder?

Eating disorders are unhealthy eating patterns during childhood. They’re more common in young children than most people think. Eating disorders can involve a child of any age or gender.

Eating disorders can affect children physically and mentally and can create a lot of stress for families.

American Wellness Center in Dubai Healthcare City has a lot of experience and expertise when it comes to curing and fixing Eating Disorders.

What are the early signs of an Eating Disorder in Children?

Early detection and prevention is key to treat eating disorders in young children. The signs are often subtle, as your child does not have to be focused on body image or weight to have an eating disorder. Children may not meet the full eating disorder criteria.

Early warning signs can include:
  • fear of stomach aches
  • aversion to tastes or textures
  • tantrums at the mealtime
  • excessive bowel movements
  • worry about body image
Signs of severe eating disorder can include:
  • refraining from eating
  • reducing food portions
  • weight loss
  • lack of growth
  • thinning of hair
  • delay of puberty
  • constipation or digestion problems
  • hiding or hoarding food
  • mood swings
  • fine hair growth on the body

Common Types of Eating Disorders in Children

  • Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (AFRID) is a common eating disorder experienced by young children. Children with AFRID experience a disturbance in their eating which can include a lack of interest in food or a sensory aversion to certain foods. For example, a child might be aversive to swallowing or the texture of foods they once enjoyed. They might also fear getting stomach aches or vomiting if they become sick because of a certain food. These aversions and restrictions can lead to weight loss and nutritional deficiency among young children.
  • Pica is a type of condition where a child might eat non-food or non-nutritional substances persistently. To be diagnosed with pica, the behavior must fall outside of the child’s expected developmental level (i.e. an infant who chews on objects would not qualify). These substances often include dirt, soap, chalk, sand, ice, and hair.
  • Anorexia nervosa can affect both young girls and boys. Children with anorexia think they are overweight when they are very underweight in reality. Children might obsess about their food intake and with how to control their weight. They might exercise intensively or binge and then purge. Anorexia can cause significant damage to physical health and growth, so it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible for a child and or adolescent.

Treating Eating Disorders in Young Children

There are many aspects of treating eating disorders among young children. Regaining weight is an essential component so that the child’s physical and nutritional health is restored. As parents and caretakers play a significant role in the child’s life, family-based intervention and treatment is usually recommended. Parents often blame themselves for the child’s eating disorder, so when parents can become more confident and empowered to help their child, the outcome is much better. Children may also benefit from behavioral interventions to help offer them foods they avoid and to help them regain a healthy eating habits.

If you are the parent of a child with an eating disorder, it’s important to reach out to your child’s pediatrician, nutritionist, or mental health professionals to help you feel supported and get the best care for your child. Encouraging healthy relationship with food will benefit your child’s entire life. So even if you are uncertain whether there may be a problem, it is always worthwhile to reach out to professionals. Whom you can talk today to get help for your child? AWC Dubai Healthcare City is one of the best clinics in Dubai to reach out to.

How do we work?

Treatment can help you and your child feel better in many ways. Our specialized treatment programs can have many benefits such as:

    • Reduce stress around meals, travel or social situations
    • Reduce your child’s anxiety
    • Improve your child’s body image (if that’s a problem)
    • Make sure your child gets the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development
    • Improve your child’s energy, mood and ability to focus
    • Prevent or treat serious health problems that eating disorders can cause (like heart or kidney damage).

    Our Clinicians

    Dr. Muhammad S. Tahir

    Consultant Psychiatrist, Neurologist (Child , Adolescent and Adults ) Director Educational Programs

    M.D. ABPN (USA) - American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology

    Dr. Madiha Khan

    Consultant Psychiatrist

    MBBS, MD (USA) - American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

    Dr. Cynthia Roukoz

    Clinical Psychologist, Neuropsychology

    Clinical Psychologists, Clinical Neuropsychologists PhD Psychology, Emphasis Child Neuropsychology, University of Angers, France

    Mrs. Nancy Hage

    Psychology, Counseling

    BA, M.A, , LMFT, PhD candidate (USA) - California Board of Behavioural Sciences

    Dr. Jessica Rios-Habib

    Clinical Psychologist

    BS, MSEd, PhD (US) - University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Fellowship, University of Toronto Sick Kids Hospital Fellowship
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    FAQs

    To schedule an appointment, please visit our Contact Us page. Our team is ready to assist you in booking an appointment with one of our child and adolescent psychologists, answer any additional questions, and provide guidance on how to prepare for your child’s first session.
    Eating disorders in children and adolescents are serious mental health conditions that involve unhealthy relationships with food, weight, and body image. Common disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. These conditions can impact physical and emotional health. At the American Wellness Center in Dubai, we offer specialized support to help young people overcome these challenges and establish a healthier relationship with food and body image.
    Signs of an eating disorder may include changes in eating habits, a preoccupation with weight, physical symptoms like fatigue or digestive issues, and secrecy around food. Emotional signs, such as withdrawal from friends and family, are also common. If you notice these behaviors in your child, early intervention at a specialized center like the American Wellness Center can be essential for effective treatment.
    Eating disorders can result from a combination of genetic, psychological, and social influences. Factors such as low self-esteem, societal pressures, or traumatic experiences can all contribute. Our team considers these factors when creating a personalized treatment plan for each young patient, helping address the root causes of the disorder.
    Diagnosing an eating disorder involves a comprehensive assessment, including physical evaluations, psychological assessments, and family interviews. This process helps us create an accurate diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan. At the American Wellness Center in Dubai, our specialists are experienced in assessing young patients with a holistic approach.
    The most common types of eating disorders in young people include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Each disorder requires a specific treatment approach. At our center in Dubai, we offer tailored treatment programs to help children and teens address these challenges and work toward recovery.
    Treatment typically includes a combination of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family-Based Therapy (FBT), nutritional counseling, and medical monitoring. Each treatment plan is customized to meet the child’s needs and focuses on sustainable recovery. Our evidence-based approach ensures comprehensive care that supports both mental and physical health.
    Parents play a vital role in supporting their child’s recovery. This includes creating a positive home environment, participating in family therapy, and encouraging open communication. Our team offers guidance to parents on reinforcing positive changes at home, which can be instrumental in the recovery process.
    Yes, eating disorders can be life-threatening if left untreated, as they may lead to complications such as malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, and organ damage. Early intervention is essential to prevent these risks. Our team at the American Wellness Center provides a safe environment focused on both physical and mental aspects of recovery.
    The length of recovery varies based on the individual’s needs, the severity of the condition, and the level of support available. While some young people may experience improvements within a few months, others may require ongoing treatment. Our specialists monitor progress closely, adjusting the treatment plan as needed to ensure the best outcomes.
    Yes, relapses can occur, especially during periods of stress. However, with proper coping strategies and ongoing support, the risk of relapse can be minimized. Our center provides follow-up care and teaches young people resilience strategies to maintain their progress after initial treatment.
    Yes, eating disorders affect both boys and girls, although they may be less recognized in males. Boys can experience pressures related to body image and weight, which may lead to conditions like anorexia, bulimia, or binge-eating disorder. Our specialists offer a sensitive and inclusive approach to treatment for all children and teens.
    Therapy for young individuals often involves a family-centered approach and age-appropriate methods to ensure engagement. Treatment is adapted to suit the child’s developmental stage and mental health needs. Our center provides a supportive environment that encourages active participation and family involvement in the recovery process.
    Insurance coverage for eating disorder treatment varies by provider. Many insurance plans cover essential services like therapy and nutritional counseling. Our team at the American Wellness Center can assist with insurance questions and help you understand what may be covered.

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