Teens with Eating Disorders

Media from television advertisements to celebrity images in magazines has sparked a firestorm of body image distortion. Teens see images of “perfect” bodies and they feel pressured to obtain this desired physical appearance. Combine this body image pressure with stress, bullying, depression, or other concerns and a teen can easily fall victim to an eating disorder. Bulimia, Anorexia, and Binge eating are not willful acts, but acts of helplessness and pain. An eating disorder is a coping mechanism that is used to deal with unpleasant thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Left untreated an eating disorder can be fatal. Dr. Helene Schwartz-Cohen, Psy D. is a licensed clinical psychologist that provides teen and adolescent therapy from a private practice in Plantation, Florida. Dr. Schwartz-Cohen has experience helping teens to understand and change self-destructive behaviors, learn healthy coping techniques, as well as improve their body image and self-esteem.