Beyond the Surface: Understanding Adolescents and Eating Disorders

Adolescence is a pivotal stage of growth marked by profound emotional, physical, and social changes. When eating disorders and mental health challenges arise during this period, they present unique complexities—because adolescents are not simply “mini adults.” While teens may appear guarded or resistant, they deeply crave connection, belonging, understanding, autonomy, and a sense of identity.

Today’s adolescents navigate a landscape filled with academic pressures, extracurricular demands, social relationships, family expectations, and the pervasive influence of social media; all while managing the biological changes that shape self-esteem and body image. Although social factors alone do not cause eating disorders, they can significantly influence the severity and persistence of symptoms, shaping adolescents’ emotions, self-perception, relationships, and their worldview.

This webinar will explore early warning signs and behavioral red flags, strategies for initiating conversations about treatment, and approaches for adolescents feeling “stuck” or struggling with motivation. We will discuss what to expect from treatment, evidence-based interventions, the importance of a multidisciplinary care team, and the critical role of family involvement in recovery.