What are the main eating disorders?
Eating disorders commonly develop during adolescence or early adulthood and can put a person at risk of serious health consequences. These are medical illnesses that can be successfully treated. The main types are:
Despite the reluctance of sufferers to admit anything is wrong, their quality of life leaves much to be desired. People with anorexia or bulimia often experience social isolation, feelings of self-disgust, shame and guilt, fear of change, and feelings of inadequacy and rejection. This can mean the person becomes lonely, desperate and depressed and may withdraw from contact with friends.
People with eating disorders often do not admit or recognise they have an illness, and may resist or delay getting treatment, particularly if they feel otherwise physically well. But sometimes family or trusted individuals may be able to encourage people with eating disorders to receive appropriate care and rehabilitation.
What causes eating disorders?
There are many theories, but it is an oversimplification to blame the mass media's presentation of the "ideal" shape as being the only cause, although it does create pressure on some people. Contributing factors can also include:
- low self-esteem
- poor body image
- a reluctance to mature physically, sexually and emotionally
- a feeling of not being in control of your life
- life crises, eg, changed relationships, death, childbirth, can act as a trigger.
People with anorexia and bulimia come from all backgrounds and cultures. With anorexia, those affected tend to set unreasonably high goals and aim for perfection in everything, and while it is mainly women, men can also be affected.
Although the exact cause of eating disorders is unclear, current research into the complex mechanism of the body's appetite control aims to understand and eventually find a way to treat appetite and eating disorders.
How families cope with eating disorders
The strain of living with an eating disordered person can severely affect others and can cause divisions among family and friends. Feelings of confusion, helplessness, anxiousness and anger are common.
It is natural to wonder what to do for the best. Tips for helping and coping include:
- Inform yourself about the condition and treatments.
- Encourage the person to seek professional help.
- Once professional help is on hand and the physical deterioration is in check, let the person take responsibility for their own recovery.
- Be patient. These disorders are complex and recovery is seldom quick.
- Remember the eating-disordered person does not enjoy their state - and they believe they lack the ability to change it.
- Accept the person's right to lead an independent life - unless the person is legally a minor.
- Always try to offer love, support and patience.
- Try to take the focus off food and body shape - such discussions can turn into a tool for manipulation, from either side.
- Avoid food purchases solely to please the one person.
- Impose food rules only when absolutely necessary.
- Avoid the mealtime battleground - emotions, eg, anger and frustration, need to be expressed but not at mealtimes.
- Avoid being overly attentive: the sick person is important but no more so than other family members.
- Do not waste time and energy feeling guilty, or deprive yourself or the rest of your family. Get on with life, no matter what.
- Seek help for yourself from support groups, counsellors, professionals, friends and family.
Original material provided by Eating Disorders Association (NZ) Inc. and Pharmacy Today. Edited by everybody.
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