Eating disorders can be one the most deadly psychiatric conditions. The Mayo Clinic definition of Anorexia Nervosa (anorexia) is an eating disorder characterised by an abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of weight. It is differentiated from Bulimia Nervosa (bulimia) which is a condition in which people may secretly binge — eating large amounts of food with a loss of control over the eating — and then may or may not purge or overexercise, trying to get rid of the extra calories in an unhealthy way. Both conditions are serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorders and typically require intervention for appropriate treatment. Medical sources of support include a GP, a dietician or nutritionist, a psychologist. There are now many dedicated organisations to help people specifically with these conditions and they are listed below. If you wish to support someone who you are concerned about, here is a page with excellent tips on how to do this sensitively and effectively.
Getting help in Australia
- For help with any eating disorder the Butterfly Foundation has many resources and good advice.
- Reachout also offers support services as well as an anonymous supportive community group online.
- The National Eating Disorders Collaboration also provides links to other services around Australia.
This is one person’s account of developing anorexia as a tool to cope with grief after the death of her father.
If you want to hear an interview with someone who has recovered from anorexia in mid life click on Richard Fidler’s interview with Joanne Cook.
You might also be interested in Richard Fidler’s interview with Amanda Webster whose 11yo son suffered anorexia. Amanda has also written a book about this.
For a wider range of podcasts on eating disorders consider this page for more information.
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