What is the Relapse Rate for Eating Disorders, and What Can Help?

Written by Cristina Luibil MS, RD, LDN with support from Sabrina Stadelman

If you have a teen who is currently in or entering eating disorder recovery, you may or may not have heard the word “relapse.” Relapse can look different for each individual, but it usually involves the reappearance of eating disorder thoughts or behaviors after a period of improvement. While relapse is definitely something to be aware of and watch for, it does not mean that the person failed in their recovery, and it’s also important not to panic. There are many ways you can support your teen to help prevent relapse. 

What is the Relapse Rate for Eating Disorders and What Can Help?

According to the NIH, 35-41% of individuals partially or fully relapse within 18 months from anorexia nervosa. These numbers may differ depending on the eating disorder, but relapse can happen with all eating disorders. At Aterra Nutrition, we always validate that eating disorder recovery is hard work. We do not expect perfect recovery, and neither should you. Actions to help prevent relapse include awareness of triggers, building a strong social support network, managing stress and anxiety, and creating a plan for relapse prevention. 

As a parent or caregiver caring for a teen recovering from an eating disorder, the idea that they could relapse can feel terrifying. As a parent or caregiver, you will likely feel terrified at the thought of a relapse, but it’s actually a common occurrence during recovery. Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions, and unlearning eating disorder behaviors and thought patterns can take time. Just as with all stages of recovery, you can help your teen to work through this with communication, knowledge, and consistent support from yourself and their support network. 

What Triggers an Eating Disorder Relapse?

No one thing triggers relapse, as what triggers one person may be different from what triggers another. The most important thing is to maintain open communication with your teen and talk to them about how they’re feeling. Feelings of stress, anxiety, or lack of control in other areas of life may trigger eating disorder behaviors as a coping mechanism. Major changes and life events can trigger these emotions and may lead to eating disorder relapse. Some of these possible triggers include:

• Starting or ending school or college

• Starting or ending a new job

• Starting or ending a relationship

• Moving to a new house/state/residence

• Experiencing trauma or loss of a loved one

• Weight changes

• Physical injury or lessened mobility

• Having other co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder

Whether your teen has experienced anything listed above or not, it’s important to keep an open dialogue with them about how they’re feeling. Oftentimes, eating disorder behaviors are used as coping mechanisms, so talking with your teen will be important to understand how they’re feeling and address potential triggers that may lead to relapse. 

How Do I Create a Plan to Prevent Relapse?

Although relapse is painful and can feel discouraging and scary, it doesn’t determine your teen’s long-term recovery or what their level of success in recovery will be. Relapse is a common experience, and it’s definitely not the end of the story. That being said, you and your teen can work together with their treatment team to create a relapse prevention plan. Your teen’s plan should be unique to them, but focusing on some of these items may be a good place to start:

• Making note of triggers that may lead to relapse

• Having your teen make note of how they’re feeling or what’s going on in their life when/if they relapse or feel close to a relapse

• Reaching out for support if relapse does occur or is close to occurring

• Finding other ways to cope with emotions, such as therapy, journaling, or talking to someone

• Emphasize the importance of caring for your body through nutrition and adequate rest

• Building a strong social network

• Remain positive and encouraging even if relapse does occur

Relapse may feel scary or even disappointing, but it’s important for your teen to know that relapse during eating disorder recovery is nothing to be ashamed of. Recovering from an eating disorder is a process, not a quick fix, and there are going to be some challenges and bumps in the road along the way. Even if your teen does relapse, it’s important that you remain supportive and encouraging. Your teen may feel ashamed or even that you’re disappointed in them if they do relapse. It’s important that you let them know that this isn’t the case, and that you will always be there to support them at all stages of recovery.

While relapse can feel scary, your reactions and support as a parent or caregiver matter. Eating disorder recovery is a difficult process, and it’s important for both you and your teen to understand that relapse is not a failure or something to be ashamed of. By creating a plan for if your teen does find themselves slipping back into disordered eating behaviors, building and maintaining a support network, and helping your teen learn what coping mechanisms may work for them and the importance of nourishing their bodies. As a parent or caregiver, the most important thing is for your teen to know they have your constant support throughout all stages of recovery. 

If you’re looking for support for a teen struggling with an eating disorder, Aterra Nutrition offers virtual nutrition counseling and support for eating disorder recovery with a registered dietitian. We offer one-on-one nutrition counseling for those in DC, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, New Jersey, and Michigan. Learn more about the eating disorder services Aterra Nutrition offers on our website at aterranutrition.com.

About the Author

Cristina Luibil, MS, RD, LDN specializes in eating disorder recovery and Intuitive Eating for teens and adults. Aterra Nutrition provides virtual nutrition counseling for those in DC, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, New Jersey, and Michigan. This post was researched and written in conjunction with Sabrina Stadelman, dietetics student and nutrition assistant at Aterra Nutrition. Learn more about the whole team at aterranutrition.com/team.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is for general educational and informational purposes only. It may not be tailored to your specific health needs as it is written here. This content is not intended to replace personalized medical advice, nutrition counseling, or medical nutrition therapy. Any recipes or suggestions provided are meant to inspire and should be used at your discretion. Always consult with your own registered dietitian, physician, or healthcare provider before making changes to your nutrition, lifestyle, or treatment plan. If you choose, Aterra Nutrition would be happy to help you in your own, individual nutrition and intuitive eating journey.