School Setting: Eating Disorders Handout for Parents and Caregivers

Eating disorders are complex illnesses impacted by genetic, biological, psychological and socio-cultural factors. An eating disorder is characterised by abnormal eating and/or exercise behaviours and a preoccupation with body weight or shape.

Eating disorders are not a lifestyle choice, a diet gone wrong or a cry for attention. Eating disorders can take many different forms and can greatly interfere with a person’s day to day life.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) recognises eight eating disorders:

• Anorexia Nervosa

• Bulimia Nervosa

• Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

• Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

• Pica

• Rumination Disorder

• Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)

• Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder (UFED)

Research is yet to identify a single cause explaining why some people develop an eating disorder. It is much more likely that some people have personal characteristics that make them vulnerable to developing an eating disorder and that the experience of specific life events then trigger the onset of illness. Once the illness is triggered, the resulting changes in thinking can act to maintain the disorder.

Signs & Symptoms

• Constant or repetitive dieting (for example, calorie counting, fasting, skipping meals, avoidance of certain foods).

• Changes in food preferences (for example, sudden dislike of previously enjoyed foods, removal of food groups from diet).

• Social withdrawal or isolation from friends.

• Sudden weight loss or frequent changes in weight.

• Depression, anxiety or irritability.

• Evidence of binge eating (for example, disappearance of large amounts of food from pantry, large amounts of wrappers and containers discarded in the bin).

• Evidence of vomiting (for example, frequent trips to the bathrooms at or around meals).

• Excessive or compulsive exercise patterns (for example, exercising when injured or in bad weather, exhibiting distress when unable to exercise).

Where to Get Help

Full recovery and a return to health is possible and more readily achieved the earlier support and treatment is offered. For this reason, we encourage you to visit your GP as soon as possible if you suspect your loved one may be struggling with disordered eating or an eating disorder.

For information and support online, we recommend the following:

• Butterfly Foundation National Helpline: For anyone seeking information and support around eating disorders and body image issues.
  Phone: 1800 33 4673

• Eheadspace: Eheadspace offers support and advice from trained counsellors to help anyone 12-25 years old work through anything that is bothering them.
  Visit: www.eheadspace.org.au

• InsideOut Institute’s National Treatment Database: InsideOut's Treatment Services Database can assist you in finding a private practitioner, community clinic or program, day program, in hospital treatment, and/or support group.
  Visit: https://insideoutinstitute.org.au/treatment-services

How Can I Best Support My Child?

Everyone experiencing an eating disorder will find different things helpful and unhelpful. It is important to talk to your loved one about what might be the most helpful in supporting them towards health. Below is a list of some common helpful and unhelpful things to say and do. However, it is important to note that this will not be relevant to everyone.

Unhelpful: "Just Eat"

This reinforces that you have little understanding of the person's illness and how difficult it is to overcome. Always remember that eating a meal is their phobia.

Unhelpful: "Where is the loaf of bread I bought? Did you binge again?"

It can be frustrating when food disappears, but it is important to acknowledge the shame and guilt felt by people who binge. Try not to blame them for their behaviours and rather acknowledge that it represents a much bigger internal struggle.

Unhelpful: "You better eat your meal otherwise I'll be really upset with you."; "If you don't finish your meal, we'll need to go to hospital."

Refrain from making threats and taking an authoritative stance. This will only alienate your loved one.

Educating yourself about the illness and learning about other people’s experiences can help you support a person with an eating disorder. Last but not least, please remember to take care of yourself.
Here are some websites you may find useful:

• InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders: www.insideoutinstitute.org.au

• • Self-Help Program for Carers https://insideoutinstitute.org.au/resource-library/supported

• Eating Disorder Families Australia (EDFA): www.edfa.org.au

• Butterfly Foundation: www.butterfly.org.au

• NEDC: www.nedc.com.au