A Message for Parents…

Dear Parents,

I know first-hand that parenting is tough work. And, parenting a child with health or psychological challenges can be overwhelming – particularly with issues that have few clear answers…

When your child fractures a finger in soccer or Little League, it will heal – and there is one specialist your pediatrician may refer you to – an orthopedist. Likewise, antibiotics will clear up strep throat. Unfortunately, reducing anxiety, unhealthful weight gain or disordered eating are less clear.

For nearly 30 years, I have observed the frustration that parents experience when their child is anxious, rapidly gaining weight or showing signs of disordered eating. Given that there are so many factors involved, parents often feel overwhelmed and occasionally unheard when they express their concerns.

And that’s why I built this assessment practice for pre-adolescents and adolescents with anxiety, eating and weight concerns. It is so important that a path is cleared for families that would benefit from my experience during what can be a difficult and uncertain time.

My time available for clinical assessments is very limited. I remain deeply dedicated to moving research forward with my colleagues around the world. However, I am fortunate to be joined by several highly talented clinical psychologists whom I have helped train over the years – many of whom are also available during the week for therapy, if indicated.

Anxiety, weight and eating are sensitive topics – and often involve an expansive process to determine the best approach for intervention. Thus, a key part of my role is to serve as a “quarterback” for your family as you manage the many possibilities.

My approach is similar to a neuropsychological assessment, but for anxiety, eating and weight. I conduct anxiety, eating disorder and general psychiatric interviews, as well as interviews to understand sleep patterns, relationships and social functioning, and family health history. I also assess eating behaviors and psychological traits that have been linked to disordered eating. In concert with health information from primary care providers, I develop a conceptualization in a report that provides near, medium and long-term recommendations. After the assessment, I provide potential referrals.

As scientists and healthcare providers know, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Indeed, preventing anxiety, eating disorders and the health problems associated with weight can be easier than treatment. And, youth are very often more responsive to intervention than adults. In fact, many families even report reduced tension and greater optimism just from having made the decision to reach out to our practice.

Wishing you and your family the best,

Dr. Marian Tanofsky-Kraff