Treatment of Eating Disorders

Please note: Many of these statements and suggestions in this section hold true for spouses, family members and friends of individuals with an eating disorder and can be applied in the same fashion.

Recovery and having the tools to deal with an eating disorder will take time and dedication to the process. Be prepared to assist your child in attending appointments, groups and other things necessary to becoming healthy again.

Be prepared for resistance, especially in the early stages of discovery and treatment of the problem. Many behaviours will be challenged and new ideas will be presented for them to try that they may not be willing to do at first.

Remember that just because your child shows up for their appointments, doesn’t always mean they are ready for help. They may do this to please you or lead you to believe they are getting better. It is important to check in with them to see how they are really doing and if changes are being made. Ask them how you can be helpful, but remain firm about maintaining family routines and activities, especially family meals.

Begin to identify and distinguish between your child’s requests, and the requests of the eating disorder - there is a difference. (i.e. buying diet foods because your child asked you to is listening to the voice of the eating disorder, not of your child).

Dealing with the Conflicts

Don’t be surprised if your child lies to you about whether or not they’ve eaten that day, or creates lies about anything to do with their eating habits, including binging and purging. It is very difficult for them to be honest about behaviours that are causing the problem. They want you to hear good things, not the negative ones.

If they do lie, don’t accept the behaviour just because they have an eating disorder. Remain firm, and expect honesty. When they are honest with you, be accepting and understanding. Always remember, your job is not to be the food/eating disorder police. Your job is to love your child and let your child know that you do not love the eating disorder.

Often parents are ready for change long before their child is. This can be frustrating for you as a parent but try to take the process in baby steps and celebrate small changes and accomplishments in your child.

Your Child’s Rights

Expect that you may not be invited to attend your child’s treatment sessions. Clinicians often like to see patients alone as it gives the person an opportunity to speak freely. You may be asked to come in at the end of an appointment for discussion and or family meetings.

Depending on the program there may be family education or support groups where parents can attend to discuss their feelings and have questions answered.

In Ontario, there is not a specific age at which children are deemed competent to make their own healthcare decisions. Regardless of their age, if they are deemed competent and capable to make their own healthcare decisions by their healthcare provider, they can do so without restrictions. The person must also be seen as able to understand the information being presented and the consequences of giving or not giving consent for treatment.

This also holds true for sharing information compiled in clinical records.

In a medical emergency or situation there are other acts that will override this situation so the child’s best interests are taken into consideration.

What This Means for You

To you as a parent, this may sound or look like that your child’s service provider is putting you off, ignoring you or excluding you from the treatment process. However, you do have a right to ask questions and to receive answers. Just remember, your child’s healthcare provider, without your child’s consent, cannot share the intimate details of his/her therapy.

For more information and facts on the Personal Health Information Act, please visit their website at www.ipc.on.ca