Nutrition and eating disorders are complex psychiatric conditions that often begin in childhood and adolescence, critical periods for development.
A new Israeli study focused on treatment perspectives for these disorders, which have become widespread, starting with early diagnosis, which proves challenging due to clinical heterogeneity, frequent psychiatric comorbidity, and overlap among conditions such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.
In recent years, updates to diagnostic criteria (DSM-5, ICD-11) and the use of more targeted assessment tools have improved identification of nutrition and feeding disorders in youth. However, important challenges persist: a lack of targeted pharmacological treatments, uneven access to specialty services, and the need for multidisciplinary, patient-centered care models.
Current evidence supports the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic approaches such as Family-Based Therapy, which actively involves the family in the care pathway. Nutritional rehabilitation, a cornerstone of therapy, requires ongoing medical supervision and input from experienced professionals.
In some cases, targeted use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can aid in treating comorbid anxiety and depressive disorders. Finally, the adoption of digital tools (telemedicine, monitoring apps) is proving useful to expand access to care, though further studies on effectiveness and safety are needed. Managing pediatric nutrition and feeding disorders demands an integrated, timely, and individualized approach, with particular emphasis on prevention and long-term support.
Renato Torlaschi
A study conducted by a researcher at Tel-Hai Academic College, in Israel. Horovitz O. Advancements in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents: Challenges, Progress, and Future Directions. Nutrients. 2025 May 21;17(10):1744.
Subscribe to Integrative Medicine
