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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 in which the patient is at risk of suicide or is medically unstable, call 911 immediately. Early detection, initial evaluation, and ongoing management can play a significant role in recovery and in preventing an eating disorder from progressing to a more severe or chronic state. The following assessments are recommended as first steps to diagnosis and will help determine the level of care needed for your family member. Receiving appropriate treatment at the earliest opportunity can aid in long- term recovery. The following assessments are recommended as first steps to diagnosis and will help determine the level of care your child or family member needs. Patient assessment by a physician experienced in eating disorders should include the following: Patient history, including screening questions about eating patterns Medical, nutritional, and psychological and social functioning (if possible, an eating disorder expert should assess the mental health of your child) Attitudes toward eating, exercise, and appearance Medical assessment should include the following: Physical exam including weight, height, body mass index (BMI), cardiovascular and peripheral vascular function, dermatologic symptoms (e.g., health of skin, hair growth), and evidence of self-injurious behaviors Laboratory tests (see list below) Dental examination if a history of purging behaviors exists Establishment of the diagnosis along with a determination of eating disorder severity Laboratory Testing Used for Diagnosis of Eating Disorders and Monitoring Response to Treatment Standard Work-Up Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential Urinalysis Complete Metabolic Profile: sodium, chloride, potassium, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, Family history of eating disorders or other psychiatric disorders, including alcohol and other substance use disorders Creatinine, total protein, albumin, globulin, calcium, carbon dioxide, asat, alkaline Family history of obesity Phosphates, total bilirubin Assessment of how the patient interacts with people regarding food-related feelings and behaviors Serum magnesium Assessment of attitudes toward eating, exercise, and appearance Electrocardiogram (ECG) Thyroid Screen (T3, T4, TSH) Page | 15