Children of Mothers with Eating Disorders: A Preliminary Study

This study investigated the extent of psychiatric disorder and abnormalities of weight and growth amongst children of mothers with eating disorders. The design was a cross-sectional study, in which mothers were identified by attendance at specialist eating disorder services. Assessments included interviews with the mothers and children, questionnaires included EAT and child behaviour questionnaires (Rutter A scale), and weight and height of mothers and children was measured. Thirteen mothers who had 26 children participated in the study. The findings were that mothers had chronic eating disorders and high rates of marital difficulties and separation. Amongst the children 50 per cent had psychiatric disorders, and 32 per cent abnormalities of weight or growth. Female offspring tended to have low body weight. Mothers underestimated their children's dietary needs. The adjustment and growth of this group of children should be considered when mothers request help for themselves.