The parents aren't alright, either: Commentary on Wilksch (2023)

Abstract

AbstractEating disorders (EDs) present high costs to the individual and society, and need for services far surpasses their availability. Caregivers are often on the “front lines” of managing their child's illness yet may have very little support to sustain them in this role. It is well‐established that caregiver burden related to EDs is high, although most research has focused on caregivers of adult patients. Wilksch describes the need for additional attention to caregivers of children and adolescents with EDs, given the elevated psychological, interpersonal, and financial burden incurred on this segment of the population. In this commentary, we describe three major gaps in service delivery and research that may exacerbate caregiver stress: (1) limited exploration of “nontraditional” delivery modalities that could enhance access to care; (2) lack of research into viability of caregiver peer coaching/support models including respite resources; and (3) scarcity of accessible ED training for healthcare providers (particularly physicians) which increases length to receipt of competent care as families search for well‐trained providers and/or languish on waitlists. We propose prioritizing additional research in these areas to help alleviate caregiver burden associated with pediatric EDs, and facilitate delivery of prompt, comprehensive, and competent care to support optimal prognosis.