Eating Disorder Treatment Adelaide
Recognising and
Treating Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are a serious mental health condition that involves an unhealthy preoccupation with eating, exercise or body shape.
There are several types of eating disorder, including:
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) – frequently consume very large quantities of food, even when not hungry (known as ‘binging’).
Bulimia Nervosa – frequent eating binges, then get rid of the food through vomiting, laxatives or diet pills (known as ‘purging’).
Anorexia Nervosa – Restrictive eating pattern: people with this condition can be severely underweight and create extreme rules and restrictions about their diets and exercise schedules.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED) – A person with OSFED has many of the symptoms of other eating disorders but their condition doesn’t align with any specific disorder.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) – A person with ARFID would avoid certain foods due to their texture, colour, smell, or other sensory characteristics. They might lack interest in eating or food in general. Commonly people with ARFID will present with nutritional deficiencies due to limited food intake and significant weight loss or failure to gain weight. They are not normally overly focussed on weight loss or weight management.
Signs you may have an eating disorder:
A preoccupation and concern about your appearance, food and gaining weight
Extreme dissatisfaction with your body
A fear of gaining weight
Secretive behaviours.
Eating makes you feel anxious, upset or guilty
You feel you are not in control around food
You keep checking your body — for example, weighing yourself or pinching your waist.
Making yourself vomit or using laxatives in order to lose weight.
Symptoms might include:
Weight Changes: fluctuations in weight or rapid weight loss.
Disturbed Menstrual Cycle: such as loss or disturbed period.
Dizziness: feeling light-headed or faint.
Fatigue: constantly feeling tired.
Being Cold: sensitivity to cold weather.
Inability to Concentrate (or think rationally).
Obsession with Weight: preoccupation with weight, body appearance or food.
Low Self-esteem: feelings of low self-worth or a negative body image.
Negative Emotions: anxiety, depression and feeling that life is out of control.
Medical Treatment:
Medical Monitoring: Regular health check-ups to monitor physical health and address any medical complications.
Hospitalisation: In severe cases, hospitalisation may be required to stabilise weight and address acute health issues.
Nutritional Therapy- Dietician:
Nutritional Counselling: Working with a dietitian to develop a balanced eating plan and establish healthy eating habits.
Meal Planning: Creating structured meal plans to ensure adequate nutrition and prevent binge or restrictive eating.
Psychological Treatment:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-E): Focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours related to food, eating, and body image.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): Helps individuals develop coping strategies and emotional regulation skills.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Addresses interpersonal issues that contribute to the development and maintenance of eating disorders.
Psycho Education: Learning about eating disorders to understand their impact on the body and develop empathy for oneself and others.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
I’m Ready to Start My Dynamic New Journey
Taking the first step towards better mental health can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, eating issue, low self-confidence, trauma or relationship issues, we are here to help you navigate your path. Start your dynamic new journey with us and discover the potential within you to live a happier, healthier and more balanced life.
Need Some More Information?
Ready to make a change? Reach out to us today to
schedule a consultation or learn more about our services.
Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are here to answer
any questions and help you find the right support.