Eating disorders are a reality that can begin as early as childhood

ANorexia or bulimia are diet-related mental disorders, usually associated with adolescence, as most cases are prevalent in this age group. However, cases are not exclusive of this age.

A study presented this week by Jama highlights that are more and more the cases of children of 9 and 10 years who suffer from this same problem. An increase of 1.4% of cases is estimated since the previous study conducted with the same public, which presented a number 14 times lower than that which was revealed.

In addition to the prevalence of cases, the similarity between the two sexes was another unexpected finding, as it was predicted that eating disorders affected mainly the female sex. Rather, the entire sample is exposed to frailty which, at this age, leaves individuals more likely to be depressed or anxious. In fact, a study prior to the previous one makes it possible to point out that certain psychiatric problems of childhood are largely associated with the development of other diseases of the psychological forum, among which mental disorders.

The same model of beauty that negatively influences many young people may also have an effect at an early stage of life, which is why it is extremely important that parents be aware of unusual behaviors.

Criticism of one's own body and a distorted image of oneself are some of the aspects to be addressed – problems that may occur even earlier, at age six, as shown by the Jama study.

Early diagnosis is crucial because even though the disorder is not as severe or obvious as in a teenager, it can prevail for many years, making treatment difficult.