Expert: Meg - 6/3/2011

Question
My 8 yr old daughter was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (restricted type) in March of 2011, she has for the last couple months been doing well. However this last week or so I have noticed some of the complaints she had before when she wasn't diagnosed. She says her eyes hurt her pickiness of her food has started back not eating as well as before....stuck not sure what i should do about the situation

Answer
Hi Christine,

First off, this is one of the youngest kids I've heard of with this disease and I'm so sorry that she (and you and your family) are going through this.  I can't imagine having to deal with a little one suffering and I truly hope that she will find her way back to complete health soon.

It is wonderful that you are keeping an eye out for danger signs and although I'm sorry that she appears to be slipping back a bit, it is so good that you are able to see this and hopefully can put a stop to this now.  Sadly, it is not unusual for people recovering from anorexia to have many steps back as they take steps forward.  Although I'm not as familiar with kids and this disease, I would guess that they are no different and that slipping up is a normal (albeit frustrating) thing to have happen.  

I would first look at what else is going on with her and see if there is something specific that is upsetting her, causing this relapse.  If you can pinpoint some source of stress, then you can work on dealing with that.  Secondly, I am guessing that you sought out some sort of help when she was first diagnosed so I would definitely get her therapist or whomever you worked with/are working with involved.  Also, you can model healthy eating for her and have meals where you show her through your own behavior a healthier way to deal with food.

Trust your gut, if you feel that something is off then it most likely is (or is at least worth looking into).  

Hope this helps.  My best to you and your daughter.  She is lucky to have such a caring Mom and I'm sure that this is part of the reason that she has been doing well with her recovery.

Please feel free to write anytime if there is more I can help you with or something I can better clarify in this answer.

Take care,
Meg

http://health.kaboose.com/kids-weight/eating-disorder.html

http://www.surfnetparents.com/facts_about_anorexia_in_kids_and_teens-18718.html

http://fishybb.something-fishy.org/

Hope this