Youth MHFA considerations for disordered eating Revisit the Youth MHFA action plan in full. Avoid approaching the young person in settings or times related to food. This may cause the young person to feel anxious and become defensive or angry. Try not to focus on weight or food. Focus on the specific behaviours which concern you, as well as underlying emotional distress. Don’t comment positively or negatively about the person’s appearance, but rather give the young person room to discuss any feelings they may want to share (215). Try not to force change. Be patient and understand that the young person may struggle to trust others. They may not be ready to change, or may now know how. Be prepared that the young person may deny there is an issue as their behaviours may be a coping strategy for other emotional issues. Focus on displaying empathy and explaining that what they are experiencing is an illness (217). Encourage the young person to be proud of any positive steps they have taken. Acknowledge their challenges and attempts at seeking professional help. These steps may have been very hard for them to take, so giving positive feedback can make a difference. If you are in a school environment, arrange for a school nurse or other professional to provide support, further assessment to monitor significant changes to a young person’s weight, and to make a referral to CAMHS. Treatment: CBT , Cognitive analytic therapy (CAT), Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), Focal psychodynamic therapy , Interventions focused explicitly on eating disorders to encourage weight gain and healthy eating, Antidepressant medication (SSRIs)
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