Eating disorders

There is no clear cause of an eating disorder. This makes it more upsetting for the person, family and friends, as they all try to think about what could have started it and what to do about it, but that is not possible.

Nevertheless, the following types of people do tend to have an increased risk of developing an eating disorder:

Cultural factors should not be ignored when we think about what can cause eating disorders in vulnerable people. We are constantly bombarded with the message that women need to be thin to be considered beautiful, and men need to muscular and lean. Since a thin shape is normal and healthy for only a very few women, others must either struggle with feelings of not being good, perfect or self-controlled enough or begin to diet. Men tend to over-exercise.

For people at risk of an eating disorder a number of things could set them off, such as:

There are many symptoms of an eating disorder. These may not relate to everybody, and sometimes it can be difficult to notice any signs at all. 

Signs of an eating disorder could include:

Some of these signs can relate to different problems and not to eating disorders, but if there are several of these signs together, it could mean an eating problem. 

There is no straightforward test for an eating disorder and no universally agreed treatment path or medication that provides a cure. The first step is talking with your doctor and asking for help.

Eating disorders are complex. A person with an eating disorder will very often also suffer from depression, anxiety and a lack of self worth.

While your doctor may not be an expert in treating eating disorders, they will be able to assess any physical problems resulting from your eating disorder. 

They can also help you to contact specialist eating disorder services.

Uncovering the underlying psychological reasons that are causing an eating disorder is essential for building a path to recovery. The most successful treatment for eating disorders in the longer term is by talking to a specialist who can help with your emotional needs and can help you take control of your eating.

These are non-medical treatments that address your emotional needs such as your thinking, behaviour, relationships and environment. This involves talking with a trained professional who uses clinically researched techniques, usually talking therapies, to assess and help you understand what has happened, and to help you make positive changes in your life. 

Education can be extremely helpful. Your health professional will give you information about the disorder, suggest different ways to handle it, and discusses any complications which may occur.

There are also numerous self-help books available in the shops which some find to be a useful first stage in getting help. They can teach you about some of the ways of dealing with your eating disorder and they can also get you used to reading about or discussing problems which you have previously kept completely to yourself. They are generally written by medical experts but draw on the experience of people who have eating disorders.

There are no drug treatments which are of established benefit. There are a few which may help deal with some of the associated problems, and these are prescribed from time to time. These include antipsychotic and antidepressant medications.

You should be told what effects you should notice from any medication, receive clear instructions about how you should take them and what precautions are necessary. If you are pregnant or breast feeding no medication is entirely safe. Before making any decisions about taking medication at this time you should talk with your doctor.

The term complementary therapy is generally used to indicate therapies and treatments that differ from conventional western medicine and that may be used to complement and support it.

Certain complementary therapies may enhance your life and help you to maintain wellbeing. In general, mindfulness, hypnotherapy, yoga, exercise, relaxation, massage, mirimiri and aromatherapy have all been shown to have some effect in alleviating mental distress.

When considering taking any supplement, herbal or medicinal preparation you should consult your doctor to make sure it's safe and will not harm your health, for example, by interacting with any other medications you are taking.

It is also really important to look after your physical wellbeing. Make sure you get an annual check up with your doctor. Being in good physical health will also help your mental health.

Talk to your doctor if you suspect yourself, or a loved one has any type of eating disorder.  If you suspect a loved one has an eating disorder, let them know that you are worried and that you care about them.

Encourage them to see their doctor or school counsellor, but don’t force them to (unless they are significantly underweight and their health it at risk).  Just be there for them and be aware that one day they may want your help. Most people with an eating disorder do not believe there is anything wrong with them, so you need to be patient.

Thanks to Janet Peters, registered psychologist, for reviewing this content. Date last reviewed:  September, 2014.