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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