Struggles Faced by Teenagers: It's not Warranted for Parents to Self-Accuse - Struggles with Eating Disorders in Teenagers: Parents Should Not Bear Responsibility for Their Kids' Eating Habits
Interview with Prof. Herpertz-Dahlmann on Anorexia Nervosa and Maternal Guilt
by Verena Carl
In a thought-provoking podcast discussion, Prof. Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann, a leading child and adolescent psychiatrist, advocated for alleviating maternal guilt in the context of anorexia nervosa.
When asked about her personal habits regarding weight, Prof. Herpertz-Dahlmann laughed and confirmed her adherence to maintaining a healthy weight, as is common among women.
While her extensive research on eating disorders in young people predominantly emphasizes neurobiological, genetic, and family factors, she highlighted the importance of considering societal pressure in the discussion on anorexia nervosa. She argued that mitigating maternal guilt plays a crucial role in addressing the issue.
It should be noted that Prof. Herpertz-Dahlmann's published works typically focus on the etiology, neurobiology, and treatment of anorexia nervosa in children and adolescents. However, for a detailed understanding of her current views on the role of societal pressure and guilt in mothers with anorexia nervosa, further peer-reviewed articles or direct statements would be needed.
- The science of understanding and addressing eating disorders like anorexia nervosa in young people should incorporate the discussion of societal pressure, as advocated by child and adolescent psychiatrist Prof. Herpertz-Dahlmann.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, mental health services for young people – including those struggling with anorexia nervosa – must weigh the impact of maternal guilt and provide psychiatric treatment that takes this aspect into account.
