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NEDA Navigator Guidebook Not for public distribution. For exclusive use by official NEDA Navigators Frequently Asked Questions (By Topics) This document was prepared by gathering frequently asked questions from families and friends of those suffering from an eating disorder (referred to as “contacts” in this document). They are organized according to these topics: Personal, Medical, Nutritional, Treatment/Referral, and Miscellaneous. They’re stated as if the contact is asking a NEDA Navigator (NN) the question. You may find them useful when answering questions you encounter as a NN, or use them as a basis for furthering conversations. This list is not exhaustive and will be updated as new types of questions arise that would be helpful to include. Personal 1. Q: How did this happen? There is not a singular cause for an eating disorder and each case is unique. Eating disorders are complex conditions that arise from a long-standing history of behavioral, biological, emotional, psychological, interpersonal and social factors. Parents are not responsible for this. There is no evidence that “bad parenting” causes eating disorders, but learning good parenting skills can help your child overcome an eating disorder. Every parent faced with this situation asks this question. Think of this situation: Bring 5 children to the beach for a day, and 1 will probably get at least a mild sunburn while the others do not, even though they are exposed to the same amount of sun for the same amount of time. The same applies to ED’s. Everybody is different. To address the question of the cause of ED’s, there are typically multiple reasons — biological, psychological and social – that contribute. There are genetic vulnerabilities that can be inherited; “temperamental wiring,” such as anxiety or depression. Trauma can add to the risk of vulnerability to an ED. Adolescent females do seem to be at higher risk than other populations. Living in a “Westernized” society can contribute as well. It is difficult to generalize any causes for ED’s; you simply need to address the specific issues that the afflicted individual has. Tell the contact to learn all they can, and focus their attention on how to help. You can refer the contact to the handout “Factors that may Contribute to Eating Disorders,” a free download on the NEDA website under Information & Resources: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/information-resources/general-information. php#causes-eating-disorders 2. Q: A parent may ask you, as a NN: Do you know XYZ therapist? You do, but feel you cannot recommend her or him, and in fact feel harm could be done. What do you say? It is crucial in your position as an NN that you tell a contact that you are required to remain neutral concerning recommendations. Remember, that individuals vary in their need and requirements for therapy. You can refer them to the list of local and regional therapists you have developed for this purpose (training on how to do this is provided by NEDA).You can also refer them to reputable local and regional organizations for more information on treatment providers. NEDA’s Parent Toolkit can have more helpful Frequently Asked Questions ▪ Page 1 ©2012 National Eating Disorders Association. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or other use of this outline without the express written consent of the National Eating Disorders Association is prohibited. 11