Eating Disorders

What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders are serious and diagnosable mental illnesses. They are characterised by an unhealthy preoccupation with food, eating habits, exercise, weight and body shape. Someone with an eating disorder may see themselves as being overweight or unattractive. This lack of self-esteem may lead to changes in their eating habits which can then affect their physical and mental health. It is not a lifestyle choice. In fact, eating disorders can have a very negative impact on the person’s daily life.

What are the main types of eating disorders?

There are four types of eating disorders recognised by The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

• Anorexia Nervosa
• Bulimia Nervosa
• Binge-eating Disorder
• Other Eating Disorders – Previously called Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS)
  • Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)
  • Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder (UFED)

How common are they?

According to the National Eating Disorders Collaboration, around 9% of Australia’s population are affected by eating disorders. The disorders not only affect individuals, but also their family and others around them.

Eating disorders affect both men and women across from all age groups and backgrounds. However, some disorders are more common in particular age groups such as early adolescence and the late teens.

In many cases, eating disorders co-occur with other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and substance abuse. In Australian females aged 12 – 24 years, eating disorders account for 14% of hospital admissions for behavioural or mental disorders. (Only depression accounts for more at 19% of admissions.)

Other Australian facts:

• Around 90% of cases of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa occur in females.
• Approximately 15% of women will experience an eating disorder at some stage of their life.
• Depression is experienced by approximately 45% to 86% of individuals with an eating disorder.
• Anxiety disorder is experienced by approximately 64% of individuals with an eating disorder.
• Approximately 58% of individuals with eating disorders have a comorbid personality disorder.
• The prevalence of eating disorders is increasing amongst boys and men.

What are the general symptoms?

Symptoms vary among individuals and they also depend on the type of eating disorder. They can be psychological, behavioural or physical. Some common symptoms include:

• Preoccupation with weight, personal appearance and food.
• Increased anxiety around meal times or wanting to eat alone.
• Dramatic changes in eating habits.
• Excessive dieting, binge-eating or exercising.
• Sudden weight loss or fluctuating weight.
• Loss of energy and difficulty concentrating.
• Changes in behaviour such as becoming more irritable or secretive.

What causes eating disorders?

There is no single factor that triggers the onset of an eating disorder. Theories differ, but experts agree that there are a number of factors that cause the disorders. Often, they unconsciously develop as a type of coping mechanism for other life stressors.

These may include:

• Peer pressure and social or cultural perceptions of beauty.
• Previous trauma such as abuse or being in a car accident.
• Personality traits like obsessiveness or frequent anxiety.
• Prolonged stress from relationships, work or study.
• A family history of similar mental health disorders.

Are eating disorders treatable?

Yes, the good news is that eating disorders are definitely treatable and many people do recover from them with the right treatment and support. Treatment options will vary depending on the diagnosis but will usually include physical, nutritional and mental health management with a team of professionals starting with a General Practitioner.

Individuals with these conditions often need help to remember what ‘normal’ eating patterns look and feel like so they may need to start with small steps to change their patterns over time. They may also need to address the biological imbalances and deficiencies caused by their condition.

Different forms of counselling and psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy, can be used to help the person address the underlying thoughts and beliefs that have influenced their behaviour. Other, complimentary treatment approaches include self-education, support groups, and (where necessary) medication.

For most people; learning to deal with, or even overcome, eating disorders is a medium to long-term commitment. Some may relapse and then try a different approach but, as when breaking any habit, perseverance does pay off in the end and many will develop far more healthy beliefs and behaviours.

If you, or someone you know, shows signs of an eating disorder, it is important to seek help as soon as possible to reduce the likelihood of permanent harm.