Eating disorders in school-aged children

It is widely accepted that eating disorders do occur in children. There is a growing literature on childhood-onset anorexia nervosa, and it seems that the core behavioral, psychologic, and physical features are similar to those in adults. The differences between children and adults must be taken into account, however, because children have lower levels of body fat and tend to become emaciated and suffer the effects of starvation far more quickly than adults. Although cases of childhood-onset bulimia nervosa have been reported, they are so rare that empirical research is difficult. Theories as to why children develop these disorders need further development, as does a multidimensional model that takes into account physical, psychologic, social, and family factors in origin, assessment, and treatment.