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The Role Of Eating Disorders In Adolescents

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Upon any area of concern, opposing viewpoints and sentiments are debated regarding the style and extremity in which the subject matter should be approached, or rather, if it needs to be addressed at all in some cases. The dispute involving eating disorders in adolescents is no exception. While several may argue that eating disorders, especially in children and young adults are simply a cry for attention, studies have shown that such illnesses are a matter of the mind in which a patient has abnormal brain responses to hunger signals, proving it to be more than a just physical condition, which consequently, constitutes the need for immediate treatment. Much like any patient with a psychological issue that may present itself, those with eating disorders such as anorexia, …show more content…
In young adults, these necessities may come from school, prescription drugs, and limitation of outside sources such as social media and Hollywood exposure that could lead them back down a path of health concerns. On the issue regarding childhood eating disorders, schools have the opportunity to be a first line of defense for teenagers due to the fact that many students feel more comfortable with their teachers and peers than in their own homes. However, this potential is not being taken advantage of to its maximum potential. While a vast majority of schools offer a form of alcohol and drug education, only a small portion of these schools provide students with the support and guidance they need in the act of preventing and treating eating disorders.

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