NEDA TOOLKIT for Parents
Can I go with you to the support group?
The response depends on the context: If the person is
being nosy and is not close to the family or patient, it
may be inappropriate to attend a support group. In
that case, here is a response: The support group is
intended for people who are closest to the situation. If
you want to learn more about eating disorders, that’s
terrific. Community information seminars are given
locally sometimes on eating disorders and that might
be a more comfortable setting—these are often
offered through local hospital outreach programs or
eating disorder advocacy groups.
Is he/she going to have to be hospitalized?
That depends on the progress he/she makes as an
outpatient. We’ll just have to see how it goes.
Hospitalization is sometimes necessary with this
illness because of the serious medical consequences it
can have.
Why is he/she returning to the hospital
again? Recovery is a hard and not always predictable road. A
few steps forward and a step back. Sometimes events
or stresses can trigger a relapse. But keeping a
positive outlook is important and knowing that many
people recover keeps us going.
Why can’t you stop this destructive behavior?
Recovery is ultimately up to the patient. The care
team and all of us in the family are doing everything
we can to give her/him the care and support needed
for recovery. But no one can force or speed up
treatment and recovery.
How much school is your child going to miss?
That isn’t entirely clear right now, but based on the
treatment team’s recommendation for the near term,
here is what we know…
Can’t you just make him/her go to the
hospital? The use of hospitalization to treat anorexia nervosa
varies from country to country. In the US,
hospitalization for medical complications for
adolescents with AN is a common intervention.
Depending on individual state law, a parent may be
able to admit their minor children for medical
hospitalization against the minor’s wishes. Laws
governing psychiatric hospitalization of minors also
vary from state to state, but in many, parents cannot
require their minor children to stay in a psychiatric
facility if a judge determines they are not a danger to
themselves or others, or cannot care for themselves.
How long will he/she be in treatment?
Everyone’s treatment process and progress is different.
It could be months; it could be years.
Why are you going to family therapy?
We’re hoping to better understand the problem, our
role in the recovery process, how best to encourage
and support our son/daughter, and how to help
manage the symptoms.
How long will he/she be in recovery?
Don’t put timetables on recovery. Every patient
progresses at his/ her own speed. Be patient with
therapy, finding the right medication, and the process
of the entire treatment plan.
Is your child on any medications that I should
be aware of? What are the side effects I
should be looking out for?
The school and coaches and anyone your child spends
significant time with should be given this information
in case of an adverse event. Be prepared with copies
of a sheet that summarizes medication names, dosing
regimen, and the prescribing physician’s contact
information. Page | 19