青少年科職業治療 潘恩賜職業治療師 Public Education Series No. 13 (2013)

不論老幼，我們都有我們的「職業」，小朋友的職業是「學生／學習者」、老人家是「退休人士」‥‥‥所以，只要因為病患而影響了生活規律，男女老幼都可以接受職業治療的訓練，以減少病患對他們造成的影響。職業治療師為他們建立復康計劃，著眼訓練病人平衡工作／學習、自理和餘暇三方面的生活需要，為有需要的青少年引入輔助器具及設計重回生活的家居及工作/學習的環境。

　　青少年階段，正直生理、心理成長的衝擊，從而尋找自己在社會上的生活意義，建立自我形象去面對成年期生活上的種種挑戰。對青少年病者，職業治療師的關注範圍與其他年齡層的範圍相若：自我照顧、學習與工作及運用餘暇方面。但會因應青少年個人成長的步伐及病患影響的程度設計個人化的治療目標，讓他們慢慢建立獨立生活的信心。



　　青少年科的職業治療訓練內容包括：

1. 促進身心功能的訓練：如小肌肉訓練、書寫訓練、執行功能訓練、情緒管理訓練、社交技巧訓練；
2. 促進自我照顧能力的訓練；
3. 職業性向的評估及輔導；
4. 職業復康及輔助就業；
5. 生活重整課程；
6. 家居／探訪，作出改善建議；及
7. 重投社區訓練（肢體障礙）

在一般公營醫療服務中，都會設有職業治療服務。此外，部份各志願機構、特殊學校、職業訓練中心及私營機構，亦會有職業治療服務。另一方面，鑒於職業治療與生活息息相關的理念，時至今日，職業治療師更會踏出醫院，以職業治療重燃生活動力的角度，協助有需要的人士。在世界各地，職業治療師更會駐校工作，協助老師識別及提供臨床治療予有學習障礙的學童。

　　從「職業」引發生活意義 ，無論處身哪一個環境，職業治療師總希望人們無論疾病、健康，殘障，都能有一個充滿生活動力的人生！

Reference: Hong Kong Occupational Therapy Association

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Disclaimer: This Education Material is for information only. Users will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein which should not replace advices from their health care professionals. This material is made possible with the assistance from adolescent volunteers. Free download http://hksah.blogspot.hk/

Adolescent Transition Care Assessment Tool, Public Education Series No. 12 (2013)

Transition care is a purposeful, planned process that addresses the medical, psychosocial and educational or vocational needs of adolescents and young adults with chronic physical and medical conditions as they move from child-centred to adult-oriented health-care systems.

In Hong Kong, most adolescents with chronic illnesses are managed in the public health-care system. As these patients develop and mature, they would need to move on to adult services. Literature has highlighted the different adverse health outcomes in patients whose care in transition had been poorly managed.

In the past few years, there has been a call for the development of a better transition care service in Hong Kong. Worldwide, various transition models have been proposed but evaluation of model effectiveness has been difficult because of the diverse clinical conditions and many other factors.

Paediatric and adult physicians have identified the following in the development of transition care locally - disease complexity, patient risk stratification, availability of resources, professional expertise and training, volume of patients, regionalization of medical services, and importantly the transition care policy. Progress in the development of transition care has been made.

This Adolescent Transition Care Assessment Tool was developed by HKSAH to assist health professionals in providing a better transition care. Its content is self explanatory. The copy is provided free. You are most welcome to download for your care of adolescents and their families.

[Download PDF Booklet of 13 pages]

Disclaimer: This Education Material is for information only. Users will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein which should not replace advices from their health care professionals.

This material is made possible with the assistance from adolescent volunteers. Free download http://hksah.blogspot.hk/

Date of Publication: 1 December 2013

© Hong Kong Society for Adolescent Health

管教子女方式 馮偉正醫生 Public Education Series No. 11 (2013)

近數十年的發展心理學硏究發現，父母不同的管教方式對子女(特別是青少年階段）的成長以至身心健康有著深遠的影響。學者就家長執行紀律的手段、溝通方式、期望、管控程度、溫情方面歸納出四種管教子女的模式。

高壓專制式管教（Authoritarian Parenting)

在這種管教方式下,子女須遵由父母訂下各種嚴厲的規條，而犯規通常引致處罰。規條的嚴謹程度往往偏離情理，子女亦無從異議。父母一般對子女有很高的期望，卻漠視子女的感受和身心發展需要，只要求他們「唯命是從」。在這管教下成長的子女，一般有很高的服從性，處事效率也不俗，然而他們往往不快樂、自我形象較低和社交能力較弱，及至青春期，有可能衍生消極抵抗，陽奉陰違的反叛行為。

縱容放任式管教（Permissive Parenting)

以這方式管教的家長，一般對子女沒有太多要求。對子女的成長、自理和自制能力沒有很高的期望，因此他們甚少管束子女的紀律。這類父母往往注重子女的物質和情感需要多於其品行。他們對子女的管教往往流於寬鬆，採用朋友般的溝通方式，投其所好，儘量避免與子女衝突。在這種管教方式下成長的子女，自我制約一般較弱、紀律性和服從性較差、學業成績和操行往往欠佳。

忽略抽離式管教 （Uninvolved Parenting）

這是一種對子女低要求、少關顧和欠溝通的管教方式。父母一般仍供給子女日常基本所需，但對子女情感和發展成長的需要則採取抽離、置若罔聞的態度。 在這種管教方式下成長的子女，最常出現不快樂情緒、自我形像低落、自制能力欠佳、自信和能力感薄弱。

恩威並施式管教 (Authoritative Parenting)

為子女的品行訂下合理的期望和清晰的規條，讓他們有所適從。規管尺度並非一味嚴苛，能隨子女的發展需要和認知程度作出調整。這種父母也相對民主，較樂意聆聽子女的意見和想法，正面回應子女的異議質疑，並能從善如流。若子女犯錯或未達期望，父母會傾向善導為先、處罰為後。硏究發現，在種管教方式下成長的子女，一般較快樂和有自信，能力感較強，在學業上和處事上都較成功。

誠然，基於家長本身個性、子女數目、文化宗教背景、經濟狀況等因素影響，並非每一對家長都能做到恩威並施的管教,但箇中原則各位家長務當細察。還有一個關鍵不得不提，就是父母兩人須竭力合作、互相支持才能有效管教子女，讓他們快樂健康地成長。

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Disclaimer: This Education Material is for information only. Users will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein which should not replace advices from their health care professionals.

This material is made possible with the assistance from adolescent volunteers. Free download http://hksah.blogspot.hk/

Pre-participation Evaluation in Young Athletes: Avoiding Sudden Cardiac Death [Event news of other professional societies]

[Event news of other professional societies]: We are glad to share with you events and educational activities on adolescent health organized by other professional societies.

Pre-participation Evaluation in Young Athletes: Avoiding Sudden Cardiac Death

Date: 14 November 2013

Venue: Jade Ballroom, Eaton Smart Hotel Hong Kong, 380 Nathan Road, Kowloon

Programme: 

6:00pm Annual General Meeting

6:30pm Reception and Registration

7:00pm Scientific Symposium

8:00pm Q & A

8:30pm Chinese Dinner

Speaker: 

Dr. Gary MAK

President, Hong Kong Association of Sports Medicine and Sports Science Director, Pro-Cardio Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention Centre

Chairperson: 

Dr. KC CHAN

Hon. Treasurer, Hong Kong Society of Paediatric Cardiology Consultant Paediatrician, Department of Paediatrics,

Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital

Discussants: 

Dr. Lance FONG

Congenital Cardiologist Consultant, Mercy and Southern Health,

Melbourne, Australia

Dr. TC YUNG

Consultant, Department of Paediatric Cardiology,

Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong

Download Poster:
http://paedcardiology-hk.org/contents/AGMposter.pdf

考試小貼士 梁婉珊職業治療師 Public Education Series No. 10 (2013)

很多學生覺得考試會有壓力，究竟何為考試壓力？壓力從何來？ 如何減少考試壓力呢？ 現在讓我們逐一探討以上問題，及提供一些考試小貼士給大家吧！

何為考試壓力？ 每當測試、考試來臨，學生便會膽心自己沒有足夠時間溫習及準備考試。在考試時，他們害怕不懂得答題，又或者未能在測驗時限內把問題卷作答完畢。 他們害怕考試低分，甚至不合格而感到憂慮，這種種就形成了考試壓力。

考試壓力從何來？考試壓力往往從多方面形成，例如學生自己或家長的期望；學生往往不知不覺對自己產生期望，希望自己能考獲較佳成績，又或者學生自己與其他同學互相比較, 覺得自己技不如人，便産生壓力。而家長亦常常期望自己子女學有所成，抱着望子成龍，望女成鳳的心態，在家長的過份壓迫下，子女便感到壓力了。

如何減少考試壓力？只要學生懂得正確減壓方法及預早準備考試，考試壓力便能大大減少。以下是一些考試小貼示提供給每位學生以作參考。

考試前準備

1. 定下溫習時間表，培養每天温習及備課的習慣  每天把課堂上所教的知識、課本反思及溫習一次，把已學的知識加深印象。與此同時，學生又可自學，預先備課，把將要教的課本閱讀一次，以助老師教授時，更易吸收新知識，那便會事半功倍了。
2. 培養做課外練習或過往試卷的習慣  為把所學的知識融會貫通，學生可多做課外練習或過往的試題，讓自已從不同角度或方面去思考題目，練習答題技巧，掌握作答的重點。
3. 適當的休息及運動  長期處於緊張及壓力大的環境下，每個人都易於疲倦, 甚至透不過氣來, 因此適當的休息，如:　溫習每４０分鐘，便可做一些舒展運動或休息５－１０分鐘，可幫助舒緩緊張的情緒，保持清醒的頭腦，及加強專注力，継續幹下去。
4. 溫習時記下重點  寫下或以圖像記下要點，以助思考，分析，領悟，及組織能力，鞏固記憶。
5. 早睡早起  充足的睡眠可以保持頭腦清醒及反應敏捷，因此，考試前一晚應有足夠休息，切忌溫習達旦，否則，考試當日便感疲累，反應遲鈍，沒有精神及難以集中去應付考試。

考試當天的準備

1. 要吃有營養的早餐  豐富而有營養的早餐可使頭腦清醒，思考及反應快，應付考試便最理想了。
2. 放鬆心情，盡我所能  考試時應放鬆心情，不宜太緊張，把試卷當作平時做課外練習一樣便可。同時學生可先做較易或懂得作答的題目，然後做那些較難的試題，盡量把考試時間分配好，把整份試卷作答完畢。

最後，希望這考試小貼示能幫助各位同學考獲理想成績。

[Download PDF of this article / 下載本文 pdf]

Disclaimer: This Education Material is for information only. Users will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein which should not replace advices from their health care professionals.

This material is made possible with the assistance from adolescent volunteers. Free download http://hksah.blogspot.hk/

Event news of other professional societies

“Event news of other professional societies” – We are glad to share with you events and educational activities on adolescent health organized by other professional societies.

(1) Certificate Course on Practical Skills for Child and Adolescent Behavioral Issues 2013; and

(2) Multidisciplinary Symposium on Adolescent Health.

Download Poster and Enrollment Form of Certificate Course

Download Poster for Symposium

精神科醫生的角色 鄧振鵬醫生 Public Education Series No. 9 (2013)

精神科醫生跟所有其他專科醫生或普通科醫生一樣，都要先完成五年的基本醫學訓練加一年實習。獲取執業資格後，再要完成起碼六年的精神科專科訓練，並通過精神科專科考試，最後成為精神科專科醫生。

精神科是一門研究心智和精神疾患的專科。精神科醫生憑豐富經驗，透過問症和臨床觀察，大多時已可準確判斷求助者究竟患上甚麼問題。但視乎個別情況，有時還要安排額外進一步檢查，去確定病源或病因。

確診和辨症後，精神科醫生會向病人解釋，並建議適切的處理方案，擬訂個人化的治療計劃。基於心智或精神疾患的多元性，因此治療方案的內容可能涉及多方面，例如藥物治療，心理治療，行為治療，家庭治療，學習輔導，職業治療等等，視乎個别因素。因此精神科醫生與其他精神科醫事人員（例如心理學家，精神科護士，職業治療，社工等等）往往保持著緊密的合作關係。

[Download PDF of this article / 下載本文 pdf]

Disclaimer: This Education Material is for information only. Users will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein which should not replace advices from their health care professionals.  

This material is made possible with the assistance from adolescent volunteers. Free download http://hksah.blogspot.hk/

AGM and Seminar being held on 19 October 2013

Our AGM and Community Seminar was successfully held in October.  Please share photos of the event.
Abstract version of PPT presentations would be shared with consents from speakers.

More photos to share about our AGM 2013

抑鬱症 鄧振鵬醫生 Public Education Series No. 8 (2013)

抑鬱症屬於精神病學中情緒病的一種，處理不善的話可嚴重影響患者的生活質素、學業、社交和工作。因此，及早悉别抑鬱症徵狀可讓患者盡早得到適切的治療。

雖然身處科技先進的世代，有些人對抑鬱症仍心存一些誤解，例如認為意志薄弱，適應力差的人才會有抑鬱症，或以為只要睇開啲，唔好鑽牛角尖就會冇事。其實，抑鬱症是一種病，有其治療之法（如藥物治療，心理治療，家庭治療），如得到家人和 學校的體諒，鼓勵和支持，有助病患者加快康復，重投正常生活。

[Download PDF of this article / 下載本文 pdf]

Disclaimer: This Education Material is for information only. Users will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein which should not replace advices from their health care professionals.

This material is made possible with the assistance from adolescent volunteers. Free download http://hksah.blogspot.hk/

長期病患 Public Education Series No. 7 (2013)

有關各類長期病患的參考網站：

心臟科

兒童心臟基金會– http://www.childheart.org.hk

呼吸科

香港哮喘會 – http://www.hkasthma.org.hk

香港胸肺基金會 – www.hklf.org

腦科

香港耀能協會 – http://www.sahk1963.org.hk

香港癲癇資訊網 – http://www.hkepilepsy.org

糖尿科

香港糖尿聯會 – http://www.diabetes-hk.org

香港兒童糖尿協會– http://www.hkjda.org

風濕科

少青風協會 – http://www.hkpra.org

香港風濕病基金會 – http://www.hkarf.org

血液及腫瘤科

兒童癌病基金 – http://www.ccf.org.hk

地中海貧血兒童基金 – http://www.thalassaemia.org.hk

愛心天使 - http://www.lovingangels.org.hk/

香港血友病會 – www.haemophilia.org.hk

學前及弱能

協康會 - http://www.heephong.org/

香港弱智人士家長聯會 - http://www.hkjcpmh.org.hk/

香港唐氏綜合症協會 - http://www.hk-dsa.org.hk/

罕有病類及其他

香港黏多醣症暨罕有遺傳病互助小組 - http://www.hk-mps.com/tc/index.html

香港兔唇裂顎協會 - http://www.cleftlip.org.hk/

家長網上資源庫 - http://edpares.ed.hkedcity.net/Public/searchresult.php?orgid=116

Disclaimer: This Education Material is for information only. Users will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein which should not replace advices from their health care professionals.

This material is made possible with the assistance from adolescent volunteers. Free download http://hksah.blogspot.hk/

The 8th Annual General Meeting cum Seminar: Promoting Adolescent Health: Community Based Programmes

Date: 19 October 2013 (Sat) PM
Venue: DG Multi-function Room, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30 Gascoigne Road, Kowloon

Time: 

1:30 - 2:00 pm - Refreshment

2:00 - 2:30 pm - AGM

2:30 - 4:30pm -  Seminar, Q&A

Programme:

2:30 - 3:10 pm

"Positive Youth Development and Community Based Adolescent Health Project"

Professor CB CHOW, BBS JP, Honorary Clinical Professor,

Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, the University of Hong Kong

3:10 - 3:40 pm

"Use of Viral Marketing to Promote Smoke-free Lifestyle in Adolescents"

Dr Patrick IP, Associate Professor,

Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, the University of Hong Kong

3:40 - 4:10 pm

"Promoting Positive Youth Development through Sports: From International Evidence to Local Experiment"

Mr Frederick Ka Wing HO, M Phil Candidate,

Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, the University of Hong Kong

4:10-4:30 pm      

Q & A

Enrollment:         Open to all. Members of HKSAH are given priority.

CME/CPD:           Pending

Cancellation:      The seminar will be cancelled if Typhoon Signal No. 8 or above, Red or Black Rainstorm Warning is issued within 2 hours of the scheduled start time.

[Download Poster and Enrollment Form (doc)]
[Download Poster and Enrollment Form (pdf)]

給家長的信－從兒科診所過渡至內科診所：如何幫助子女作適切準備 謝詠儀醫生 Public Education Series No. 6 (2013)

貴子女因健康的需要要繼續長期的治療。一般兒科診所提供服務至十九歲的病人，之後，病人便要轉介至內科診所跟進與治療。

對新醫療環境和陌生的醫護人員感到不安和憂慮是可以理解的。譬如，青年病者擔心新遇上的醫護不詳細明瞭他從前病歷，或者不能如兒科醫護般容易溝通，新診所病人數量較多，醫生可能診症時間較短等等。有時，青年病者和家人甚至不想離開兒科診所的跟進。另一方面，兒科的醫護也可能捨不得自年幼已醫治的病人轉往他處。

凡此種種其實對青年病者並非最好的安排，因為他們的醫療需要會因年紀漸長大而非盡由兒科服務所能完善地提供。至今，一般的轉介都缺乏周詳的統籌，致青年病者往往未能安心和順利過渡至內科服務，可能影響他們往後的醫治的成效。有見於此，兒科醫生著手推廣「過渡護理」計劃，好讓青年病者得到最佳的準備與安排，轉至內科服務後繼續獲得稱心和優質的健康保障。

「過渡護理」的目的包括倡導年青病者多項的技巧和能力，如與醫護的溝通、自我護理﹝如約期，服葯﹞、對治療作決定，和申張自己的需要等等。另外，家長也要就子女成長階段作相應調節管教和照顧子女的原則與方法。

為了讓 貴子女循序漸進地學懂對自己的健康和治療責任的承擔，我們有以下的建議。

1. 在 貴子女青春期內醫生會開始與你和 貴子女談論將來會轉往內科服務的計劃。

2. 請多鼓勵 貴子女多與醫護人員直接溝通。

3. 請盡早教導 貴子女處理他/她特別的醫療需要。

4. 協助家務會令他們對家庭有歸屬感和有承擔；成長後，他們亦較易找到工作。

5. 請幫助 貴子女明瞭他/她的健康情況，和治療對目前和將來的健康的重要性。

6. 請鼓勵 貴子女覆診前作好整理和提示將要發問的問題紀錄下來。請著他/她自己預約覆診。

7. 請與 貴子女談論他/她對學業和就業的考慮和選擇。

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Disclaimer: This Education Material is for information only. Users will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein which should not replace advices from their health care professionals.

This material is made possible with the assistance from adolescent volunteers. Free download http://hksah.blogspot.hk/

When you are pregnant, Dr Tony Lau, Public Education Series No. 5 (2013)

When you are pregnant unexpectedly, be calm and make good choices!

Many teenagers find out they are pregnant unexpectedly. She may be sad, scared, angry, feeling guilty or ashamed. She may cry easily. She may keep the pregnancy secret. These are understandable.

You could make good choices! Please talk to trusted adults about your current situation. Professional people likes doctors, nurses, social workers and teachers could offer clear and correct information for you. Information from peers might be biased such that unsound decision is made resulting in unfavorable or dangerous situation. Your health and baby’s health are paramount.

Pregnancy in teenage girl is associated with risks of nutritional deficiency, mood problems, partner violence, unsatisfactory weight gain or unhealthy risky behaviour. The baby is affected by these situations and may be born prematurely with low birth weight. Young mother faces changing roles. Issues of financial or housing difficulties may arise. In Hong Kong, enhanced service for pregnant teenager is provided by Hospital Authority and other organizations working in partnership. Such services include enhanced antenatal care, education and talks on child care, career planning and counseling.

If you need information on termination of pregnancy, consult a registered doctor for professional advice. Utilization of illegal medical service or substandard medical service outside Hong Kong will result in irreversible damage to your body including infectious diseases, surgical complications or problems of fertility.

The following services are reliable and appropriate for your needs:

1.           Family Planning Association of Hong Kong

Wan Chai. Tel. 25754799;  Mong Kok. Tel 27704994; Tsuen Wan. Tel. 24432773

2.           Mother’s Choice

Tel. 2868 2022

3.           “When Teens Meet Angels” - by Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong

Tel 51322155

4.           “Caritas Project Hyacinth” - by Caritas Social Service Division

Tel 25802626 or 95513707

5.           Maternal and Child Health Centers (31 clinics in different districts in Hong Kong)

Please talk to professional people. Your confidentiality will be respected!

[Download PDF of this article / 下載本文 pdf]

Disclaimer: This Education Material is for information only. Users will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein which should not replace advices from their health care professionals.

This material is made possible with the assistance from adolescent volunteers. Free download http://hksah.blogspot.hk/

Download Seminar Materials - Adolescents with ADHD (being held 2013-05-25)

Over 100 participants, including youth workers, family members of young people, various professionals in Adolescent Health and other stakeholders attended the Seminar being held on May 25.  With permission from speakers, the abstracts of PPT slides are loaded for reference.

Pharmacological intervention for Adolescents with ADHD [Dowload]
Dr Chun-pan TANG, Consultant Psychiatrist, Kwai Chung Hospital

Psychological intervention for Adolescents with ADHD [Dowload]
Dr Cheryl SO, Clinical Psychologist, Kwai Chung Hospital

處理長期病患 潘恩賜職業治療師 Public Education Series No. 4 (2013)

「我是一位長期病患者」，這句話說起來何其沉重！傳統上，我們總執著地要把疾病根治，不能完全痊癒的，有時甚至被消極地稱之為「絕症」！事實上，現今社會醫學昌明，從前衝擊生命的可怕疾病，現在很多都已被人類一一征服過來，只要控制得宜，很多病人都能與其他人一樣活得長壽，活得精彩！
如何與一些比較困難的疾病共存？首要的條件當然是認識疾病的本質。精明的朋友都會掌握有用的資料，包括：

1. 病症的成因

• 包括在病理上的基本認識，醫生如何檢查及診斷病症等

2. 病徵及可能引發的併發症

• 更早覺察一些早期病徵，以便及早處理及控制病情

3. 治療方法及相關身體反應

• 藥物作用及副作用，避免將病徵混淆
• 各種復康療程，包括如何在家中配合的訓練與活動，復康療程一般包括物理治療、職業治療、言語治療和其他治療

4. 社區及其他政府支援

• 除了各項政府資助外，在社區內還有很多設施讓大家都能享受一個無障礙的生活。最近香港職業治療學會印製了一份名為「去街guide」的小冊子，內容就是環繞為輪椅使用者而設的交通工具指南。

5. 照顧者的如何參與支援

• 坊間有很多為慢性病者而設計的講座及資源中心，有時亦會特別探討照顧者的需要，令照顧者更有信心與病者併肩作戰

6. 本地的支援組織

• 在香港有很多慢性疾病的支援組織，讓公眾人士和病者本身更容易取得有用的資訊，很多病者亦發現與其他病者一起分享與慢性疾病生活的心得，一方面會掌握更多生活上適應的技巧；另一方面，這些個人分享對於其他同路人亦有大的支持！

7. 如何妥善照顧自己

• 包括不同情況的處理和日常起居飲食、工作和學習上的平衡，對各種興趣的參與等。

[Download PDF of this article / 下載本文 pdf]

作為一位醒目的慢性疾病病人，我們還要懂得辨別各類資料的真確性和可信性；對自己的身體狀況及護理有相當了解，保持正面的態度去面對疾病帶給我們日常生活的挑戰。青少年的慢性病患者，都有一份頑強的鬥志，能接受疾病的衝擊，並把它變成動力，向世界展示我們如何超越所謂的「不可能」！

Disclaimer: This Education Material is for information only. Users will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein which should not replace advices from their health care professionals. 
This material is made possible with the assistance from adolescent volunteers. Free download http://hksah.blogspot.hk/

How to talk to my daughter with Anorexia Nervosa, Dr Anita Tsang, Public Education Series No. 3 (2013)

Many parents are totally at a loss of what to do when they start to suspect their daughter of suffering from anorexia nervosa  This has never come to their mind as they might have only noticed her eating “healthy “ food and thinking that many teens just want to keep fit. It is not until that she is eating much less and others are commenting that she is losing weight then they become aware that there is a problem. They may think that all will get back to normal by asking her to eat more. Soon they will find out that this not only does not work but in fact make things worse. There are constant conflicts over food. Parents become more frustrated and she is getting thinner. This is because she is suffering from a disease with many complex factors contributing to it.  It is not just about “eating” or “not eating”.

The difficulty in dealing with the situation lies with the paradox that on one hand you need to deal with her eating, yet on the other hand, you cannot just talk about food and weight.  You need to understand her feelings and emotions behind.  Here are a few tips for you.

1. Listen to her. Don’t lecture about food.

• When she talks to you about eating issues, listen to her. Don’t lecture about food. Ask her why she can’t eat, just listen. Don’t correct. She wants someone to understand the struggle she is going through. Just listen. Nod your head or say “uh-huh”. Don’t preach.

2. Avoid placing blame, shame or guilt on her actions or attitudes. 

• Don’t use “you” statements like “You just have to eat” or “You are acting irresponsibly”.
• Use “ I” statements like “ I am concerned about you because you are not eating your lunch.”

3. Avoid power struggles over eating. 

• Do not force them to eat. Do not beg them to eat. Do not criticize their eating habits.  Often anorexic girls are struggling with control in their lives. Do not demand them to change for your sake.  Avoid emotional blackmail. This may make things worse.
• There will be arguments over food and eating. Don’t let them continue.  Respond calmly and firmly. Re-state your expectation. Express your concern. Tell her “we can talk about this later” without any anger.

4. Do not comment on how she looks or how you/others look.

• She is already very obsessed about weight and appearance issues.  Any further comments on these issues will only reinforce her on their importance. 
• Do not say "You are not fat". Instead try to help her to explore what are her fears about being fat and what she wants to achieve by being thin. 

5. Don’t act like a “food police”.

• Many anorexic girls complain that their parents always spy on them to see what they are doing and how much they have eaten. They feel like being put under a microscope. The feeling of loss of personal space suffocates them. They need someone to support them to go through the struggle, not a policeman/calorie counter over the dining table. 

6. Take care of yourself.

• Do not deal with this on your own. Seek help from professionals - the doctors, school teachers, social workers, and counselors. Bring in circle of support – your spouse, your family, your friends or parent support groups. 

Seeking help early will help you to better support your daughter in overcoming the disease and becoming healthy again.

[Download PDF of this article / 下載本文 pdf]

Disclaimer: This Education Material is for information only. Users will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein which should not replace advices from their health care professionals.

This material is made possible with the assistance from adolescent volunteers. Free download http://hksah.blogspot.hk/