Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Eating Disorders
Publication Date: May 1, 2015
Last Updated: March 14, 2022
RECOMMENDATIONS
Mental health clinicians should screen all child and adolescent patients for eating disorders. (CS)
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A positive screening should be followed by a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, including laboratory tests and imaging studies as indicated. (CS)
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Severe acute physical signs and medical complications need to be treated. (CS)
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Psychiatric hospitalization, day programs, partial hospitalization programs, and residential programs for eating disorders in children and adolescents should be considered only when outpatient interventions have been unsuccessful or are unavailable. (CG)
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Treatment of eating disorders in youth usually involves a multidisciplinary team that is developmentally aware, sensitive, and skilled in the care of children and adolescents with eating disorders. (CS)
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Outpatient psychosocial interventions are the initial treatment of choice for children and adolescents with eating disorders. (CS)
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The use of medications, including complementary and alternative medications, should be reserved for comorbid conditions and refractory cases. (CG)
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Recommendation Grading
Overview
Title
Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Eating Disorders
Authoring Organization
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Publication Month/Year
May 1, 2015
Last Updated Month/Year
January 10, 2024
Supplemental Implementation Tools
Document Type
Guideline
External Publication Status
Published
Country of Publication
US
Inclusion Criteria
Male, Female, Adolescent, Child
Health Care Settings
Ambulatory, Childcare center, School
Intended Users
Dietician nutritionist, nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant, psychologist
Scope
Counseling, Diagnosis, Assessment and screening, Treatment
Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)
D001068 - Feeding and Eating Disorders, D056912 - Binge-Eating Disorder, D019959 - Feeding and Eating Disorders of Childhood
Keywords
eating disorders, anorexia, bulimia, food avoidance, binge eating