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Eating DisorderEating disorders are characterised by disturbed eating patterns, in association with anxiety or distress, and sometimes unrealistic perceptions of body shape and weight. To warrant a diagnosis of an eating disorder, a person must display a certain combination of symptoms, of a particular severity, over an extended period of time. Treatment for eating disorders may include:
The physical symptoms associated with cases of bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa, whilst severe, can often be reversed if the illness is treated in the early stages. However, if left untreated, severe anorexia and bulimia can be fatal. Between 2-3% of adolescents and adult females experience an eating disorder, while It should be noted that many young people have unrealistic body image ideals or engage in extreme behaviour in regards to eating and exercise, without necessarily meeting the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder. Anorexia nervosa
Individuals with anorexia report feeling fat even when severely underweight and hold distorted beliefs about body shape and weight. Other symptoms include odd eating habits, depression, exercise rituals, laxative abuse, insomnia, low blood pressure and poor physical health. Bulimia nervosa
While people with anorexia may lose weight to the degree that they endanger their lives, people with bulimia generally maintain a normal weight. Causes of eating disorders are likely to involve a combination of genetic factors, family matters, unhappiness, stress level and societal preoccupation with dieting and weight control. Treatment for eating disorders may include:
About half of people with eating disorders will recover, one quarter will continue to experience difficulty with symptoms, and the remaining quarter will not respond to treatment. It is likely that recovery rates will increase as the conditions are better understood and treatments become more targeted and effective. Contacts and Other ResourcesEating Disorders Association (QLD) Eating Disorders Foundation of NSW Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria The Butterfly Foundation is a national organisation that provides support to Australians who suffer from eating disorders and negative body image issues. The foundation is dedicated to changing the culture, policy and practice in the prevention and treatment of eating disorders and to raising awareness of eating disorders as a serious social, medical and mental health issue. Butterfly Foundation provides support for intervention, prevention, research and treatment programs. Mental Health First Aid |
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