“Taking the time to explore a concern more closely is important, because the early detection of an eating disorder means better outcomes,” says Alicia Brennan, MD, Medical Director, Children’s Hospital of Philadephia (CHOP) Pediatric Care at Penn Medicine Princeton Health. “If there’s a red flag, scheduling a separate, longer appointment with the child and family can allow for a more in-depth discussion.”
According to Dr. Brennan, physicians should watch for these possible signs of an eating disorder in their pediatric patients:
- Weight trending downward
- Two lines crossing on the growth curve
- The limitation or restriction of certain types of foods
- An increase in obsessive/compulsive behaviors
- Amenorrhea or delays in puberty
- Comorbid issues, like anxiety or school phobias
- Lab work can provide additional clues and rule out medical conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or hyperthyroidism.
Proactive Care for Pediatric Admissions
When inpatient care is needed for a child or teen with an eating disorder, communication about care begins even before the patient arrives on site for admission to Princeton Center
for Eating Disorders.
“Patients come from all over the country for the unique level of care we provide, and it’s part of our role to ensure that they are in the right place before they get here,” says Dr. Brennan. “Once they arrive, we establish familiarity, conduct a physical exam, and address any medical issues that may require resolution before eating disorders care begins.”
A team of pediatricians affiliated with CHOP, which is ranked No. 2 on U.S. News & World Report’s 2019-20 Honor Roll of Best Children’s Hospitals, is available to eating disorders patients, along with on-site specialists in a variety of other disciplines.
“We have fine-tuned protocols and a team of experts working collaboratively to provide safe, optimal care from pre-admission through discharge,” adds Dr. Brennan.