Eating disorders are estimated to affect approximately 9% of the Australian population.
Affecting both men and women of all ages, eating disorders can have significant and serious impacts on a persons functioning. It can impact on their social and functional roles, create implications for their psychiatric and behavioural wellbeing, create medical complications, social isolation, and an increased risk of death.
RWPsychology provide a range of professional psychological services for helping treat a range of eating disorders including:
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is defined by regular episodes of binge eating accompanied by feelings of loss of control, and in many cases, guilt, embarrassment and disgust.
Many people with binge eating disorder are overweight or obese, and large population studies indicate that similar numbers of males and females experience binge eating disorder.
Anorexia nervosa is defined by the persistent restriction of food intake, intense fear of gaining weight and disturbance in self-perceived weight or shape.
Individuals may control food and weight as a means of controlling areas of life that feel out of control, or as a way of expressing complex or concerning emotions.
Bulimia nervosa is defined by repeated episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours.
People with bulimia nervosa often place an excessive emphasis on body shape or weight in their self-evaluation. This can lead to the person’s sense of self-esteem and self-worth being defined by the way they look. Compensatory behaviours are used as a way of trying to control weight after binge eating episodes. They often include:
- Misusing laxatives or diuretics
- Excessive exercise
If you suspect that you or someone you know is experiencing an eating disorder, it is important to seek help immediately. The earlier you seek help the closer you are to recovery. Contact your GP for a referral to a practitioner with specialised knowledge in eating disorders.
RWPsychology has a trained clinician in Maudsley Family Based Treatment, which is the most highly evidence based treatment model for young people under the age of 18 years. For more information about Maudsley Family Based Treatment, feel free to contact Renata Wosik on 0414959105 or go to http://www.maudsleyparents.org/whatismaudsley.html
Contact Us For Help
For more information or to make an appointment contact us on our Live Chat or phone 02 8294 8484 or send us an email via our contact page.