Types of eating disorders

There are several different types of eating disorders, each with differing signs and symptoms. For a more detailed look at each disorder, please click on the link to read the full fact-sheet.

Anorexia nervosa – This eating disorder causes the sufferer to feel overweight even though they may be considerably underweight. A desire to lose weight causes the sufferer to skip meals, starve themselves and/or exercise excessively.

Bulimia nervosa – Similarly to anorexia, bulimia sufferers also have a desire to lose weight. With this disorder, this is achieved by bingeing on food and then purging – either by making themselves sick or using laxatives.

Binge-eating disorder – An eating disorder that makes sufferers feel compelled to overeat as a way of dealing with difficult emotions.

Eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) – An EDNOS sufferer may have some, but not all of the typical signs of other eating disorders or may not meet the diagnosis requirements of these disorders, despite having disordered thinking about food.

Getting help

If left untreated, eating disorders become detrimental to physical health and in some cases can be fatal. While it may not feel like it at first, telling someone how you feel will help you feel better in the long run. The good news is that there are plenty of treatment options out there that can help you recover from your eating disorder, and the first step is to seek professional help. If you don’t feel comfortable telling friends or family, visit your doctor or arrange to have counselling. Speaking to a counsellor will offer invaluable support as they guide you through your treatment.

The type of treatment available for those with eating disorders varies depending on your personal circumstances, but may include:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – A therapy that aims to change the way you think and behave.

• Family therapy – Bringing your family together in a therapeutic environment can help ensure you have support at home.

• Medication – In some cases antidepressant medication may be prescribed to help regulate mood.

Spotting signs of eating disorders in others

If you are worried that someone you know may have an eating disorder, there are several warning signs you can look out for, these include:

• skipping meals
• complaining about being fat even when they are a normal weight or underweight
• weighing themselves constantly
• claiming that they have eaten elsewhere or will be eating later
• cooking large meals for others, but not eating themselves
• when they do eat, they only eat low-calorie foods
• they feel uncomfortable eating in public
• they make a trip to the bathroom after eating a large meal
• using or mentioning ‘pro-anorexia’ websites.

If you suspect a friend or family member has an eating disorder, it can be difficult to know what to do. The best thing anyone can do in this situation is to offer support. Encourage them to seek professional help and offer to go with them for support if they are anxious. Being gentle in your approach will work better than confronting or accusing them in an aggressive manner.

It may be helpful to print out some useful information for them to read; this may help them realise that they do have a problem and that it will only get worse without help. Reiterate how much you care and be there for them as much as possible.