Eating Disorders in Parents

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? NE
Is it more common among parents? A substantial proportion of adults with EDs are parents; parenting creates distinct clinical issues
Are parents at higher risk? No prevalence elevation; strong clinical relevance
How much higher is the risk? NE
How often can it be missed? High
Does it show up differently among parents? Strong Yes contextually
How might it look different? Concern about modelling eating/body attitudes to children; mealtime conflict; difficulty balancing recovery and feeding children
What commonly occurs alongside it? Depression; anxiety
What can it be confused with? Parenting stress
Common screening tool SCOFF
Separate screening tool for parents None
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