Response to Eating Disorders (Social and Emotional Disorders)

Social and emotional disorders (eating disorders in particular) are very different from Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Emotional and psychological problems are generally the cause of an eating disorder. ADD is a developmental disorder that is neurobiological and research suggests that it may be genetic. Despite the different origins of eating disorders and ADD, the two disorders share many common characteristics. People with either disorder can have depression, low self-esteem, and the inability to concentrate, and neither disorder is connected with intelligence. However, where there are behavioral and medicinal treatments for ADD there are only behavioral and therapeutic treatments for eating disorders, though antidepressants can be prescribed. Eating disorders are also harder to notice in a classroom setting. A child with ADD exhibits behavioral characteristics at school like restlessness, whereas a child with an eating disorder may appear to behave normally, or if anything seem shy or depressed, a characteristic of many disorders which would make it more difficult to pinpoint and diagnose an eating disorder. Therefore, there is less that a teacher can do in the classroom to help a student with an eating disorder other than create a safe, nonjudgmental environment in school where the student will feel comfortable. A child with ADD may need extra time to complete tasks in school, but since many people do not inform schools of their children’s eating disorders (and some parents do not inform schools if their children have ADD either) it can be difficult for a teacher to provide help. Any teacher can help students with concentration problems by refocusing them during tasks and repeating directions for them. These techniques would help both students with eating disorders and students with ADD, even if the teacher is unaware that the student has either disorder. Both disorders can make it difficult for children to function at school, have good relationships with peers and/or teachers, and concentrate, whether due to ADD or an eating disorder. Teachers should foster a caring classroom where bullying is not allowed so that students with or without a disorder feel comfortable, making it more likely that they will be able to learn. Luckily, there is a lot of research on both disorders, many trained professionals, and many resources for students and families who deal with these disorders.