Eating disorders are characterised by disturbed eating patterns, in association with unrealistic perceptions of body shape and weight. Many people may have unrealistic body image ideals and engage in extreme behaviour in regard to eating and exercise, without necessarily meeting the diagnostic criteria for a specific disorder.
Anorexia nervosa - loss of at least 15% body weight or failure to put on an appropriate amount of weight with normal growth, going to extremes to avoid eating, possibly excessive exercise, obsession with food and preparation, symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Bulimia nervosa - feeling out of control around food, binge-eating of calorie-rich foods, compensating by excessive exercise, self-induced vomiting or laxative abuse; may be underweight, normal weight or overweight.
It has been estimated that 1 to 2 in 100 females are likely to develop anorexia, with the average age of onset being around 17. Onset is often associated with a stressful life event. The illness also occurs in males, but there is little information about prevalence.
It has been estimated that 1 to 3 in 100 females in late adolescence or early adulthood are likely to develop bulimia. The disorder also occurs in males, but at only about one-tenth the rate.
There are other forms of eating disorder which do not quite fit the categories of either anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. However all are characterised by an unrealistic perception of one's body shape or weight with disturbed eating patterns and/or the use of compensating behaviours after eating.
Apart from changes in mood and weight, eating disorders may be associated with changes in the skin and teeth, heart problems, kidney failure, stomach and intestinal problems and loss of menstruation. Eating disorders are probably caused by a combination of factors, such as genetics, family background, unhappiness, stress level and societal influences.
Treatment can involve counselling to examine the underlying reasons for the disorder, nutritional education and diary-keeping, and perhaps medications to address feelings of anxiety or depression. People with more severe eating disorders may require referral to a specialist clinic. Hospitalisation and enforced eating may be needed in severe cases of anorexia nervosa. Some people can be assisted by a general practitioner. People with eating disorders require referral to a mental health professional for assessment and treatment. These disorders are complex and are usually treated by a multi-disciplinary team including mental health professionals and nutritionists, who specialise in the treatment of eating disorders. Medications can also sometimes be used.
Anorexia nervosa - loss of at least 15% body weight or failure to put on an appropriate amount of weight with normal growth, going to extremes to avoid eating, possibly excessive exercise, obsession with food and preparation, symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Bulimia nervosa - feeling out of control around food, binge-eating of calorie-rich foods, compensating by excessive exercise, self-induced vomiting or laxative abuse; may be underweight, normal weight or overweight.
It has been estimated that 1 to 2 in 100 females are likely to develop anorexia, with the average age of onset being around 17. Onset is often associated with a stressful life event. The illness also occurs in males, but there is little information about prevalence.
It has been estimated that 1 to 3 in 100 females in late adolescence or early adulthood are likely to develop bulimia. The disorder also occurs in males, but at only about one-tenth the rate.
There are other forms of eating disorder which do not quite fit the categories of either anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. However all are characterised by an unrealistic perception of one's body shape or weight with disturbed eating patterns and/or the use of compensating behaviours after eating.
Apart from changes in mood and weight, eating disorders may be associated with changes in the skin and teeth, heart problems, kidney failure, stomach and intestinal problems and loss of menstruation. Eating disorders are probably caused by a combination of factors, such as genetics, family background, unhappiness, stress level and societal influences.
Treatment can involve counselling to examine the underlying reasons for the disorder, nutritional education and diary-keeping, and perhaps medications to address feelings of anxiety or depression. People with more severe eating disorders may require referral to a specialist clinic. Hospitalisation and enforced eating may be needed in severe cases of anorexia nervosa. Some people can be assisted by a general practitioner. People with eating disorders require referral to a mental health professional for assessment and treatment. These disorders are complex and are usually treated by a multi-disciplinary team including mental health professionals and nutritionists, who specialise in the treatment of eating disorders. Medications can also sometimes be used.
Eating Disorders Association Australia: www.uq.net.au/eda
Eating Disorders Foundation NSW: www.edsn.asn.au
Eating Disorders Foundation Victoria: www.eatingdisorders.org.au
Mental Health First Aid: www.mhfa.com.au/documents/guidelines/8244_MHFA_eatdis_guidelines_Mar09.pdf
Eating Disorders Foundation NSW: www.edsn.asn.au
Eating Disorders Foundation Victoria: www.eatingdisorders.org.au
Mental Health First Aid: www.mhfa.com.au/documents/guidelines/8244_MHFA_eatdis_guidelines_Mar09.pdf
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