The most common eating disorders, anorexia nervosa an bulimia nervosa, are not often seen in young children. Since these disorders are normally associated with body image and the conscious desire to lose weight, they typically do not appear until the pre-teen or teen years. But toddlers and younger children may develop certain unusual disorders that center around food.
Selective Eating in Toddlers
Children who have a selective eating disorder will eat only two or three kinds of foods and may refuse any other foods offered entirely. This becomes frustrating for the parents, who may fear their child is not getting the proper nourishment.
The cause of selective eating is unknown, but does not appear to be related to fear of weight gain. Affected children are typically of a normal weight, and as long as they remain so no steps are usually taken to remedy the condition as most children grow out of the selective eating phase before nutrition deprivation becomes a problem.
Pica in Young Children
Pica is a medical term which stands for a craving to eat substances that are not food. It is a fairly common condition which often affects pregnant women and also children. Objects eaten may include paint chips, carpet fiber, clay, chalk, toothpaste, laundry soap, coffee grounds and other non-food items.
The major concern with pica is that the child may ingest a harmful substance. Lead poisoning from old paint is one of the biggest concerns. A child might also ingest other potentially toxic substances or objects such as coins that may lead to abdominal pain and surgery. The cause of pica is not known, but it is believed it is sometimes caused by a deficiency of iron and zinc, and if this is the cause the symptoms will disappear when these deficiencies are remedied.
Prader-Willi Syndrome in Children
Prader-Willi Syndrome is a genetic problem which is caused by a chromosome abnormality. The hypothalamus, the area of the brain that controls hunger or fullness, is not properly developed. Infants suffering from the syndrome may have difficulty feeding. Then, as toddlers, the child may develop an insatiable appetite. Because Prader-Willi Syndrome also causes low metabolic needs as well as an increase in appetite, weight gain and obesity may become life-threatening concerns.
Prader-Willi Syndrome requires lifelong treatment. Food must be locked away from children suffering from this syndrome, and a strict diet must be followed which includes a low calorie diet supplemented by vitamins and mineral supplements
.Eating disorders in young children are fairly rare, and are usually treatable by psychological remedies or medication. If a parent believes their child is suffering from an eating disorder, the first step should be a complete medical evaluation.
Sources:
Kirkpatrick, Jim M.D. and Paul Caldwell, M.D. Eating Disorders: Everything You Need to Know. Buffalo, NY: Firefly Books, 2001.
ISBN 1-55209-555-X
More information about eating disorders can be found at the Government website MedlinePlus
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