NEDA TOOLKIT for Parents
First Steps to Getting Help
These steps are intended for use in a nonemergency
situation. If the situation is a medical or psychiatric
emergency and the person is at risk of suicide or is
medically unstable, call 911 immediately.
Early detection, initial evaluation, and effective
treatment are important steps that can help an eating
disorder sufferer move into recovery more quickly,
preventing the disorder from progressing to a more
severe or chronic state. The following assessments are
recommended as the first steps to diagnosis and will
help determine the level of care needed for your family
member. Receiving appropriate treatment is the first
step towards recovery.
Patient Assessment
• Patient history, including screening questions
about eating patterns
• Determination of medical, nutritional,
psychological and social functioning (if
possible, an eating disorder expert should
assess the mental health of your child)
• Attitudes towards eating, exercise, and
appearance • Family history of eating disorder or other
psychiatric disorder, including alcohol and
substance use disorders
• Family history of obesity
• Assessment of other mental health
conditions, such as depression and anxiety
Laboratory Testing
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential
urinalysis • Complete Metabolic Profile: sodium, chloride,
potassium, glucose, blood urea nitrogen
• Creatinine, total protein, albumin, globulin,
calcium, carbon dioxide, aspartate transami
nase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total
bilirubin • Serum magnesium, phosphate
• Thyroid screen (T3, T4, TSH)
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Special Circumstances
If uncertain of diagnosis
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• Radiographic studies (computed tomography
or magnetic resonance imaging of the brain or
upper/lower gastrointestinal system)
If patient has been without her menstrual period for six
or more months
• Urine pregnancy, luteinizing and follicle-
stimulating hormone, and prolactin tests
For individuals with persistent low weight, especially
females who sustain amenorrhea, a work-up should
include a Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) to
assess bone mineral density.
Medical Exam
• Physical examination including height,
weight, body mass index (BMI), growth chart
assessment for children and adolescents,
cardiovascular and peripheral vascular
function, skin health, hair loss, evidence of
self-injurious behaviors
• Measurement of body temperature and pulse
• Orthostatic blood pressure
• Laboratory tests (see below)
• Dental exam if self-induced vomiting is known
or suspected
• Establishment of diagnosis and recommenda
tions for appropriate level of care
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