They see their child getting better and doing well and when they get home - it's a different story. While the hospital gives your child the temporary care they need and to stabilize their health for the time being, it is not always a long term solution. They require treatment in the hospital and when they leave. It will take some research on your part to find a clinic and professionals who deal in the area of eating disorders in your area to get your child the help they require. If your child is over 18 there isn't a whole lot you can do and I think this is the hardest part.
Parents feel helpless, frustrated and even angry over the whole situation.
You have every right to be afraid for your child and your fear is shared by all the other parents out there who have had a child suffer with an eating disorder. While there isn't a whole lot you can do to force your child to seek help and treatment, you are not totally helpless. This is time in your life where you will have to find all the strength and courage you have to get through this time. I can't stress enough the importance of education. Educating yourself is the biggest weapon anyone has in the fight against the eating disorder.