Eating Recovery Center Opens New Behavioral Hospital to Address Growing Trend of Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders

[Stephanie Johnson]

A recent report from the American Academy of Pediatrics revealed that hospitalizations for children with eating disorders are on the rise, that approximately 0.5 percent of adolescent girls in the United States have anorexia, and that 1 to 2 percent meet diagnostic criteria for bulimia.  To address this growing trend, Eating Recovery Center (EatingRecoveryCenter.com), a national center for eating disorders recovery, has opened Eating Recovery Center, a Behavioral Hospital for Children and Adolescents, a hospital specifically dedicated to providing comprehensive eating disorders treatment for children and adolescents – both girls and boys – ages 10 to 17.  The hospital opened today in Denver’s Lowry neighborhood, and is now accepting patients.

 

“It’s important for families to be aware that disordered eating behaviors can start at any age,” explains Kenneth L. Weiner, MD, CEDS, founding partner and chief executive officer of Eating Recovery Center.  “Early intervention, expert treatment and ongoing family support are vital to lasting recovery.”

 

To help parents recognize eating disorders triggers and warning signs, appropriately intervene and seek help, Eating Recovery Center offers these five facts every family should know:

 

1. 1.      Children and adolescents with eating disorders can recover with the appropriate treatment.  According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, most teenagers can fully recover from eating disorders with appropriate, comprehensive treatment.
   
   
2. 2.      Weight-focused sports could be potentially harmful.  Sports such as track and field, gymnastics and wrestling involve a healthy weight component to be competitive.  It is important that parents emphasize the importance of practicing and training in a healthy manner.
   
   
3. 3.      Adolescents with anorexia or bulimia will likely display warning signs.  Adolescents with anorexia are often very driven and high achievers.  Warning signs that can be displayed include weight loss, avoidance of activities and friends, and anxiety about gaining weight or feeling “fat.” 
   
   Individuals with bulimia may not be as recognizable by weight loss, but often experience dramatic weight fluctuations.  They may also try to hide purging behaviors by running water while in the restroom or brushing teeth several times a day.  They may also display cuts or scrapes on their knuckles and dental problems.
   
   
4. 4.      Families play an important role in recovery.  Studies show that by intervening when they see a problem and integrating recovery-focused behaviors into family life, families can become agents of change for their children in eating disorders recovery.
   
   
5. 5.      Eating disorders will often go hand-in-hand with other diseases.  Anorexia and bulimia can occur alongside mood disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders and substance abuse, as well as a number of other behavioral conditions.  Recovery is possible with early intervention and proper treatment.

 

Eating Recovery Center’s newest behavioral hospital is led by a nationally recognized expert in child and adolescent eating disorders, Ovidio Bermudez, MD, FAAP, FSAM, FAED, CEDS.  Dr. Bermudez serves as the hospital’s new medical director of child and adolescent services.  The hospital operates under the direction of Dr. Weiner, and Eating Recovery Center’s chief clinical officer, Craig Johnson, PhD, FAED, CEDS.  

 

Eating Recovery Center, a Behavioral Hospital for Children and Adolescents, is located at 8140 E. 5th Ave., Denver, Colo., and is now accepting patients from across the country.