Which describes common eating disorders in adolescence and why is early detection important?

• A. Eating disorders are rare in adolescence and do not require attention
• B. Bulimia is the only eating disorder seen in adolescence
• C. Early detection has no effect on prognosis
• D. Anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating behaviors; early detection improves prognosis and reduces medical risk

Answer: (D)

In adolescence, eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating behaviors, all of which can appear during the teen years. This period is crucial for growth and development, so problems with eating can quickly lead to serious medical risks like electrolyte imbalances, heart strain, slowed growth, and bone health issues, along with mental health challenges. Recognizing concerns early and getting teens to evaluated care allows medical stabilization, nutritional rehabilitation, and psychotherapy to begin sooner, which helps restore healthy eating patterns, supports normal development, and reduces the risk of long-term complications. Because of that, the best choice describes all these common eating issues in adolescence and emphasizes that early detection improves prognosis and lowers medical risk.