Condition

Pediatric Eating Disorders

What You Need to Know

Eating disorders are serious mental health problems that can be life-threatening, so they require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder marked by self-starvation.

Bulimia Nervosa

A child with bulimia nervosa overeats or binges uncontrollably. They may also cause themselves to throw up or exercise too much.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are eating disorders?

Who gets anorexia and bulimia?

One out of every 100 females between the ages of 16 and 18 years old suffers from anorexia, and five to 10 percent of teens diagnosed with anorexia are males. Anorexia is found in across all socioeconomic groups and a variety of ethnic profiles.

The majority of bulimics are female, adolescent, and from a high socioeconomic group. Bulimia has been found in all westernized industrial countries, and it is estimated that 1 to 4 percent of females in the United States have bulimia.

Adolescents who develop bulimia are more likely to come from families with a history of:

Eating disorders
Physical illness
Other mental health problems (ie., mood disorders or substance abuse)

In addition, teens with bulimia often have other mental health problems, such as anxiety or mood disorders.

Can eating disorders in adolescents be prevented?

Meet the Providers Who Treat Eating Disorders

View our specialists

Departments that Treat Eating Disorders

Bone Health Program

Orthopaedists at Children's National offer world-renowned expertise and life-changing care, including surgery, for children at high risk for bone fracture.

Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Children's National offers assessment, diagnosis and care for children and teens with behavioral, emotional and developmental disorders. From a variety of therapy options to medication management and support for the whole family, our healthcare providers offer solutions to children’s mental health issues in inpatient and outpatient settings.

Eating Disorders Clinic

The Donald Delaney Eating Disorders Clinic at Children's National is dedicated to the specialized care of preadolescent and adolescent patients ages 10-21 years with suspected eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating. Our patients and their families should know they are not alone. Learn more about our clinic.

Psychology and Behavioral Health

In the Division of Psychology and Behavioral Health, our team of child psychologists and mental health experts focus specifically on children and adolescents, highlighting care that encompasses both patients and their families. Our team provides comprehensive psychological services within various specialty clinics, each tailored to meet the specific needs of your child. After a detailed assessment, we formulate the most suitable treatment plan for your child and family.

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