Eating Disorders: Preparing for an Eating Disorder Evaluation

Teens with eating disorder behaviors or symptoms may be referred to an eating disorder program by their pediatrician, family doctor, or nurse practitioner. While no two programs are exactly the same, outpatient programs usually do a complete evaluation and provide treatment for teens with eating disorders and support for family members.

The approach is usually multidisciplinary, which means that more than one specially trained health care provider will be involved in the evaluation and treatment plan. All team members will likely involve people in your family as well, to plan the guidance and support you'll need at home. College students and young adults often see the team alone, but even they frequently work with parents or other family members.

The first visit typically includes a: 

1. Medical Evaluation by a health care provider (HCP) who is specialized in caring for teens.

Your HCP or nurse practitioner will:

• Check your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and weight
• Ask you and your family about your medical history
• Ask you questions about your eating habits and menstrual periods
• Order tests such as labs (blood tests), urinalysis (to see if you are drinking the right amount of fluids), EKG (a test which looks at the activity of your heart if your heart rate is low), and/or bone density test (DXA scan), if needed

2. Mental Health Evaluationby a counselor experienced in eating disorder treatment.

You and the counselor may talk about:

• How you feel about the way your body looks
• Your food related behaviors
• Your family's concerns about your health
• Your thoughts and feelings about being evaluated for an eating disorder
• Your treatment goals
• Anything else you feel is important for the counselor to know

“Working with a mental health counselor or therapist is an important part of getting well and improving body image, self-esteem and any other emotional issues that may affect your eating habits.”

3. Nutrition Evaluation by a registered dietitian experienced in working with teens with eating disorders.

You and your dietitian will:

• Talk about your food likes and dislikes
• Talk about any behaviors you have related to food
• Discuss common myths about food and eating disorders
• Talk about your health goals and concerns about changing your behaviors
• Work with you and your family on creating a healthy eating plan for you

“In a culture obsessed with dieting and body image, it can be challenging to have a healthy relationship with food. A specially trained registered dietitian/nutritionist can help you create a personal plan for healthy eating and discuss harmful myths and confusing messages about food and diets.”

After the evaluation

Your HCP will talk to you about a personal treatment plan that will likely include:

• Individual and family therapy
• Medical monitoring by your primary care provider
• Nutritional counseling and support from your dietitian

Written and reviewed by the CYWH Staff at Boston Children's Hospital

Source: youngwomenshealth.org