Eating Disorder Program

Eating disorders are common and affect the lives of many children, adolescents, young adults, and their families. Effective treatment can be life-changing and, in some instances, lifesaving. The right support can make a difference.

In the Eating Disorder Program, we are equipped to offer comprehensive care that is practical and tailored to your family’s needs. Our primary treatment approach is Family-Based Treatment (FBT), as it is the evidence-based standard of care for children and adolescents with eating disorders, specifically Anorexia Nervosa. We know that without talented and experienced therapists and providers, FBT can be difficult to implement – that’s why we are here to help! Our main priority is to get to know your family and create a plan that will work for your distinct situation and needs. Our team of eating disorder experts are here to care for you and your loved ones, teach your families, and work together to treat you or your child’s eating disorder.


Conditions We Treat

  • Anorexia nervosa restricting type
  • Anorexia nervosa binge-purge type
  • Atypical anorexia nervosa
  • Bulimia Nervosa
  • Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

Outpatient Services

We provide comprehensive Medical, Nutritional and Psychological care (family-based treatment approach) for known eating disorder or suspected restrictive eating for those ages 9-25.

Inpatient Services

For those requiring medical stabilization, Lurie Children’s Hospital also offers medical stabilization for patients meeting the following criteria:

  • Weight <75%mBMI
  • HR <50 during the day
  • BP <90/45
  • Orthostatic HR increase by >40 points
  • Orthostatic BP drop by >20 points systolic, >10 points diastolic
  • QTc >460 on EKG
  • Potassium <3.5, Phosphorus <3.0, Magnesium <1.8
  • Complete food and liquid refusal for >72 hours

If any of the above criteria are met, the patient should be directed to the Lurie Children’s Hospital Emergency Room for further evaluation.

Specialists

Make An Appointment

If you’d like to request a first-time appointment with one of our specialists, call 1.800.543.7362 (1.800.KIDS DOC®) or visit our Appointments page for more information.

To assist with your referral, please have your primary care physician fax the following information to 312.227.9446

  1. Growth curve
  2. Last clinic note
  3. Recent weight (ideally in last month)
  4. Recent HR and BP (orthostatic vital signs if obtained)

Resources

Recommended Books

  • Treatment Manual for Anorexia Nervosa: A Family-Based Approach (James Lock & Daniel LeGrange)
  • Treating Bulimia in Adolescents: A Family-Based Approach (James Lock & Daniel LeGrange)
  • Help Your Teenager Beat an Eating Disorder (James Lock & Daniel LeGrange)
  • Survive FBT: Skills Manual for Parents Undertaking Family Based Treatment (FBT) for Child and Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa (Marcia Ganci)
  • How to Nourish Your Child Through an Eating Disorder: A Simple, Plate-by-Plate Approach to Rebuilding a Healthy Relationship with Food (Casey Crosbie & Wendy Sterling)