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