Oman is a high-income country in the Gulf region – and most of its population is young. But, while mental health problems are common among adolescents and young adults, specialist services are lacking. There are very few institutions that offer mental healthcare to young people and many internal and external barriers to seeking help.
However, accessing professional support for mental health disorders like anorexia and borderline personality disorder is really important. Without timely support, mental health problems can affect a young person’s health, well-being, and education. Unaddressed mental health problems often continue into adulthood: around half of all mental health disorders begin before the age of 14.
Anorexia nervosa and borderline personality disorder are two mental health conditions that usually develop in adolescence or young adulthood. They are complex disorders, rooted in emotional, cognitive, and social experiences that require specialist support and expertise.
This blog offers some information about anorexia and borderline personality disorder in Oman, and when and where parents should seek help.
Anorexia Among Adolescents in Oman
In the past decades, eating disorders have become more common across the Middle East. While anorexia and other eating disorders used to be considered a Western phenomenon, specific to countries with certain cultural values, they are now common in many non-Western regions. Many experts link this rise to the expansion and internalisation of Western values in many parts of the world, while others see eating disorders as a response to more general cultural change.
A study from 2002 explored the prevalence of eating disorders in Oman. Using the eating attitudes test, they found that 33% of adolescents were at risk of anorexia-like behaviours. On the other hand, only 2% of adults showed disordered eating behaviours. The study suggested that eating disorders were a growing phenomenon, linked to the social norms and conditions experienced by young people.
The study also found that, among Omani adolescents, both anorexia and bulimia were about as common among male adolescents as females.
It’s important for parents to be aware that anorexia can develop among young people of any gender identity, background, ethnicity, or body shape. Eating disorders are common among adolescents and young people in Oman and parents should look out for any signs of disordered eating attitudes and behaviours.
What Are the Early Signs of Anorexia Nervosa?
Recognising the early signs of anorexia and other eating problems is really important. The earlier a young person receives treatment, the more likely they are to make a full recovery. If parents have any concerns about a young person’s feelings or behaviours around food, body shape, or weight, they should seek professional advice.
Eating problems look different in every young person and it’s not always easy to notice the signs. Young people with eating problems often try to hide what’s going on, making it even harder to recognise. That said, parents are often among the best-placed people to notice when something isn’t right, even if there aren’t any clear signs or symptoms.
Some of the early signs of anorexia may include:
- thinking a lot about their body shape or weight
- restricting where, when, what, and how much they eat
- avoiding eating around other people
- being very afraid of gaining weight
- leaving quickly after mealtimes
- exercising much more than before
- feeling tired or having difficulty concentrating
Where Can Parents Seek Help for Anorexia?
If a young person is living with anorexia, they need specialist, professional support. That means treatment programs that specialise in anorexia and their age group, whether they are pre-teen, adolescent, or young adult. Young people experience mental health problems differently to adults and treatment needs to reflect their specific needs.
Sometimes, a young person’s doctor can refer them to specialist mental health services that treat anorexia. Parents may also want to contact treatment programs directly. When choosing treatment providers, bear in mind that they should be directed towards young people.
There are several different levels of care for anorexia, including residential and outpatient programs. Mental health professionals should work with parents to determine the most effective option for each young person, prioritising their safety and recovery.
Borderline Personality Disorder Among Young People in Oman
Borderline personality disorder is a serious mental health disorder that usually develops during adolescence or young adulthood. It’s characterised by an unstable sense of self, interpersonal relationships, and emotions. BPD looks a bit different in everyone, but some common experiences include:
- an incoherent and changing sense of self
- patterns of intense, unstable relationships
- fear of abandonment
- chronic feelings of emptiness
- self-destructive and impulsive behaviours
- intense emotions that are difficult to soothe
There is a lot of stigma and misconceptions surrounding BPD. Unfortunately, this can lead to missed diagnosis and delayed treatment. It’s important to remember that having BPD doesn’t make someone a bad person or mean there is something wrong with their personality. It just means that the way they relate to themselves and the world makes aspects of daily life very hard to manage.
Moreover, borderline personality disorder is treatable, and many young people go on to form fulfilling, loving relationships and independent lives.
There isn’t a lot of data about the prevalence and symptoms of borderline personality disorder in Oman. Research from Western countries shows that at least 3% of adolescents and adults may live with the disorder. But it’s possible that BPD may present differently in different cultures.
Recognising Borderline Personality Disorder in Young People
Borderline personality disorder doesn’t just suddenly ‘begin’. Instead, it develops over time, as a young person’s thinking patterns and behaviours take certain pathways in response to things they have experienced. This means that it can be difficult to know exactly when to seek support.
However, it’s important to remember that the traits and symptoms of BPD are far outside what is considered ‘normal’ for adolescents. If a young person’s feelings or actions are affecting their daily life over some time, it’s time to reach out for professional support.
BPD looks a bit different in every young person. However, there are some common symptoms that many people with BPD experience. These include:
- struggling to maintain close relationships
- engaging in risky behaviours involving drugs, money, or relationships
- acting impulsively, such as with dangerous driving
- experiencing self-harm or suicidal thoughts
- intense feelings of anger
- extreme mood swings that can shift from day to day or even hour to hour
Where Can Parents Find Support for Borderline Personality Disorder?
If you’re worried that a young person might have borderline personality disorder (BPD) or another mental health condition, the first step is to consult a mental health professional. BPD is a complex disorder that can sometimes be overlooked or misdiagnosed as another condition. This means that it’s important to speak with someone with the necessary expertise.
Families should look for a mental health provider or program that specialises in child and adolescent psychiatry. While general doctors can help with research and provide referrals, they usually lack the specialised expertise to make a diagnosis.
Unfortunately, there is still a lot of stigma surrounding BPD. This stigma exists in society – but also among healthcare professionals. If you feel like a mental health professional is reluctant to diagnose BPD, treats your child differently because of their diagnosis, or has negative views about BPD, it’s important to look elsewhere.
One of the misconceptions about BPD is that recovery is difficult or even impossible. However, in reality, many young people do recover from BPD and go on to lead fulfilling lives. Reaching out for support is the first step in that journey.
The Wave Clinic: Specialist Mental Health Support for Young People
It’s often hard for parents to find specialist, effective treatment for young people living with BPD. Recovery usually requires a comprehensive treatment programme that provides psychological, social, and educational or vocational support. Young people need directed care that addresses their emotional, cognitive, and social developmental needs.
The Wave Clinic offers specialist residential and outpatient programmes for young people with borderline personality disorder. We combine exceptional clinical care with education, transformative experiences, and community work, helping young people grow in self-confidence and resilience. We assist teenagers and young adults in building stable support structures as they develop a coherent sense of identity and direction that guides them through the years ahead.
Many young people with BPD are at risk of self-harming and suicidal behaviours. At The Wave, we ensure that every young person is safe and supported at all times. For adolescents and young adults at the highest risk, we can provide 24-hour medical monitoring and care.
At the Wave, we believe that family involvement is central to lasting recovery. Families provide the scaffolding that reinforces positive behaviours while setting boundaries and offering emotional support. We make sure parents are involved in the treatment process from the outset and take the time to get to know families personally. We even invite families to our centre for a week of family therapy and other forms of treatment.
We also ensure that parents are well-equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to support their young person once they leave our centre. We don’t leave you on your own, but remain available for advice, support, and additional care when it’s needed.
If you’d like to know more about our programs, get in touch today. We’re here to support you.
