Eating Disorders in Adolescents: Diagnosis and Treatment in Lahore
Comprehensive assessment and treatment for anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder in teenagers, combining medical, nutritional, and family-based care.
Eating disorders often first develop during adolescence, and early, comprehensive treatment significantly improves the likelihood of full recovery. A coordinated approach involving medical, nutritional, and family-based care produces the best outcomes.
Dr. Muhammad Shoaib Zafar provides thorough assessment and coordinated treatment for adolescent eating disorders, involving families closely in the recovery process.
Types of Eating Disorders in Adolescents
- Anorexia Nervosa — significant food restriction and fear of weight gain
- Bulimia Nervosa — binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours
- Binge Eating Disorder — recurrent binge eating without regular compensatory behaviour
- Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder — significant food avoidance not driven by body image concerns
Family-Based Therapy
Family-Based Therapy, which empowers parents to take an active role in supporting their teenager's nutritional recovery, has particularly strong evidence in adolescent anorexia nervosa, alongside other therapeutic approaches for bulimia and binge eating disorder.
Medical Monitoring
Eating disorders can cause serious medical complications, making regular medical monitoring an essential part of care, particularly for adolescents with significant weight loss or purging behaviours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Are eating disorders common in teenagers?
Yes, adolescence is a common period of onset for eating disorders, making awareness and early intervention particularly important during this stage.
How involved should parents be in treatment?
Very involved. Family-Based Therapy, which actively involves parents in supporting their teenager's recovery, has strong evidence, particularly for adolescent anorexia nervosa.
Expert Care
Dr. Muhammad Shoaib Zafar provides coordinated, family-centred care for adolescent eating disorders, supporting full and lasting recovery.
This page is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace an individual psychiatric assessment. If there is significant medical concern, please seek urgent evaluation.
Common signs & symptoms
- Preoccupation with weight, shape, or food
- Restrictive eating or skipping meals
- Episodes of binge eating
- Compensatory behaviours (vomiting, excessive exercise, laxative use)
- Significant weight change
- Distorted body image
- Social withdrawal around food or mealtimes
Treatment approach
- → Medical monitoring for physical complications
- → Family-Based Therapy
- → Nutritional rehabilitation
- → Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders
- → Medication for co-existing depression or anxiety
Frequently asked questions
Are eating disorders common in teenagers?
Yes, adolescence is a common period of onset for eating disorders, making awareness and early intervention particularly important during this stage.
How involved should parents be in treatment?
Very involved. Family-Based Therapy, which actively involves parents in supporting their teenager's recovery, has strong evidence, particularly for adolescent anorexia nervosa.