By: Meghan L. Feehan, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist & Program Manager of the Pediatric Eating Disorder Center at Atlantic Health System
Just like any illness, anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders can have significant medical complications if left untreated, such as low heart rate, low blood pressure, and dehydration. These symptoms may present as dizziness or fainting episodes but often times go undetected. Such complications, among others, require medical monitoring by a health care professional. More importantly, the re-nourishment required for successful treatment of eating disorders is patient-specific and requires oversight by a team of experts.
Signs and symptoms of eating disorders:
- Weight loss or failure to gain expected weight
- Feeling cold and/or fatigued
- Limiting the types or amounts of food eaten
- Decreasing or eliminating snacks
- An increased interest in cooking or baking
- Increased irritability
- Driven or excessive exercise
If your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms, we urge you to seek out medical help. Our team at the Pediatric Eating Disorders Center at Atlantic Health System are committed to the well-being and health of those we treat.
For patients unable to receive treatment virtually due to their medical status, we have enacted numerous on-site safety measures, including social distancing, the use of personal protective equipment and rigorous cleaning standards.
Our team is here to assess your child’s needs and to determine the optimal treatment plan to keep them safe.