9 yr. old w/ eating disorder or something else?

Question

My son is being evaluated tomorrow for eating disorder. for quite some time he will not eat meat that had any fat on it if he saw it. I have a hard time getting him to eat meat at all. he'll choose Subway over McDonalds. the past month has been rough. he's over sensitive, irritable, won't eat much and frequently tries to make himself throw up. he forces himself to heave and hasn't figured out to gag himself with his fingers...yet. I'm not sure though. he says his stomach feels "slimy and acidy" like he needs to throw up. it happens at diferent times. I've had to get him from school early 2x because he was trying ot throw up. I dont think he understands "acidy". This is happening more frequently but not always right after eating. does this sounds like an eating disorder or something else? also, I know he prides himself on being skinny and very flexible like his dad was as a child (died 2 yrs. ago) and his aunt picks on him about his ears sticking out. thanks.

Answer 1

One thing that caught my eye in what you stated is that his Dad died. He very well could be having issues dealing with that. More than you realize. From what you describe, I would normally have the tendency to say yes he does have an eating disorder but the fact that his Dad died causes me to think that might be the root cause. Good Luck!!

Answer 2

It could be an eating disorder but I also wonder if he doesnt have ulcers and acid reflux, this would cause the feelings he describes and would explain why he is so picky about what he eats he knows certain foods will make it worse.  Most children this age are not candidates for ulcers but with all your son has been through it is likely.  Talk to the doctor just like you have on here and let them do the rest and hopefully they will get to the bottom of it.

Answer 3

did this start before dad died?if you don't mind how did he die, could it be aggravating the problem more, could it be stomach ulsers.complex issues?keep trying in case it is serious and good luck tomorrow.I hope he does not want to be so much like dad and is trying to go with him keep your eyes open wide he may never say it but it may be intended,

Answer 4

You might get better answers if you post this question  in physiology....it would be of more interest to them to answer why he might be behaving this way....Is there anyone else who he looks at as a role model who might care a lot about weight and fatty food?  Kids learn from who they see and love the most.  I hope you can find a good answer.  I can't be much more help. Good luck

Answer 5

Not wanting to eat meat with fat on it is a very common phobia for kids. To this day, I don't eat meat if it has even the tiniest trace of fat--I find texture is disgusting, and many kids (especially sensitive ones) do as well. If you're tired of trimming meat to suit his preferences, just let him be vegetarian. Kids don't necessarily need meat to be healthy.

As to the "acidy" part, it just sounds to me like your son has acid reflux. That usually occurs after eating, and it can happen in people of all ages. Certain people just have an acid pump that squirts acid up the esophagus--that's what causes the acidy burning sensations. Every time he complains about needing to throw up, give him some Tums. If these don't help, buy him some Prilosec. If acid reflux is the problem, Prilosec will cure it. If these problems persist, take him to his pediatrician; if the doctor suspects bigger problems, she'll refer you to a psychiatrist.