CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH: THE ROLE OF THE PEDIATRICIAN AND GENERAL PRACTITIONER IN THE MANAGEMENT OF EATING DISORDERS

Abstract

Mental health disorders in children carry significant medical and social implications, affecting patients’ quality of life and demonstrating rising prevalence amid unregulated digital environment, the COVID-19 pandemic, escalating military conflicts, etc. Eating disorders (EDs)—potentially life-threatening conditions with rapidly increasing global prevalence—represent a pressing issue in this population; associated mortality and suicide rates rank among the highest in mental health. This article emphasizes the role of pediatricians and general practitioners in managing children with EDs, as these clinicians are pivotal to prevention, detection, and comprehensive treatment of EDs in children. Their responsibilities include fostering healthy relationships between children, food, and body image; early identification of warning signs; screening and clinical diagnosis of EDs; and, following diagnosis, ongoing monitoring of patients’ physical and mental health to ensure comprehensive care in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.