Eating disorders in younger children HELP!

[DuskyPinkSock]

My DD is 10, over the last couple of months we have noticed her developing some strange behaviours around food. She has become very controlling around it, has completely stopped eating sweets or any treats, will only eat food she deems "healthy" etc. She does eat a lot (tonnes of fruit/salad) but it is very controlled IYSWIM, she is definitely obsessing over it, wanting zero fat yoghurt etc. BShe's definitely lost weight and is wanting to exercise more. As a family we eat well, mainly home cooked meals, pretty balanced and varied diet, not much junk, my and DH both very competent cooks.

I am going to take her to the GP this week and ask for a referral to CAMHS but I'm worried there will be a long waiting list, also they were involved for my older DD and were rubbish. I'm just so worried. I think the root of the issue may be something going on at school but haven't been able to get to the bottom of the issue yet apart from there being a boy in her class who is horrid to her.

I think you’re doing the right thing by getting the ball rolling now.
Does your older DD have an eating disorder? You mentioned CAHMS were rubbish for her, or was it unrelated to eating?
In the meantime, I wouldn’t be pointing any of this out to her at the moment. I would absolutely seek professional advice around her food habits, but also make sure you’re available so she knows she can chat about what’s going on at school.

Speak to the teacher and ask for them to keep an eye on her and the two of them separate.

Thank you - no, different kettle of fish with older DD, she was diagnosed as autistic at 16, never had an eating disorder (loves her grub!) - I don't think that's the issue with younger DD

Give the BEAT website a look, sorry your going through this its such a worry

I’ve had both my children referred to CAHMS over the last 12 months and they were utterly useless. Virtual zoom calls with strangers, didn’t encourage my children to open up and confide. I found a local counsellor who sees my DS face to face and a million times better even if I’m having to pay for it. Sorry to hear you going though this xx

I’m not in the UK so not aware of CAMHS and whether they’re any good - going from the above poster and what you mentioned OP they sound terrible.
My child has an eating disorder and we see a psychologist - we pay privately and are lucky to be able to afford to.
If you are able to do this, as above poster said, getting a private counselor might just be the way to go.
It’s a hard road and I feel for you. Best of luck