Links to further information:
http://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-topics/eating-disorders/
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders is an umbrella term used to describe the set of conditions characterised by disordered eating patterns - the most common of these being anorexia and bulimia.
Although each eating disorder is different, a common finding in most people with eating disorders is the presence of a low self-esteem and strong need to feel in control.
Self-care and getting support from others is vital in recovering from an eating disorder and feeling happy again.
Key Points:
- Learn about eating disorders to help you make sense of how you feel and seek help early. The longer you leave it, the harder it is to get well.
- Make a decision to recover, see your doctor and get the treatment you need.
- Don’t be so hard on yourself – seek support and learn strategies to help you deal with negative emotions and thoughts
- Learn about nutrition and develop a healthy relationship with food
- Learn tips to improve your body image
- Feeling good about yourself is key – make time for pleasurable activities and spend time with people who can boost your mood
Overview
This section will help you understand what an eating disorder is, and give you an overview of the different types.
 | What is anorexia? | Best Health - UK | |
| What is Bulimia? | Best Health - UK | |
| Anorexia Nervosa - Resource Finder |  | |
| Bulimia Nervosa - Resource Finder | | |
Symptoms, Tests & Diagnosis
Take this self-test to see if you're at risk of having an eating disorder.
 | DSM IV Diagnostic Criteria for Eating Disorders | Central Region Eating Disorder Services (CREDS) | 2 Pages |
| Symptoms of Various Eating Disorders | Mayo Clinic | |
What can I do? - Self help measures
This section has some useful information to help you recover from an eating disorder.
| Wellbeing & Resilience Support Person's Guide | | 196 Kb |
| Wellbeing & Resilience Action Planning Workbook | | 11 Pages |
Treatments & Medication
Treatment for an eating disorder involves counselling and lots of support! Here you will learn about what counselling involves and information to help you get the most from your treatment.
| Key points about treating anorexia | Best Health - UK | |
| Counselling Services | EDEN | |
| Treatments & Drugs | Mayo Clinic | |
| Where to find treatment services in NZ | Central Region Eating Disorder Services (CREDS) | |
| Understanding, Working With & Preventing Eating Disorders | EDEN | |
Support
In this section you will find links to support services, real life stories from people with eating disorders, and information for family and friends of eating disorder sufferers.
| Support Services | EDEN | |
| Survivors' Stories | Beat | |
| Information for Family & Friends | EDEN | |
| Supporting someone who has food and/or body image issues | Central Region Eating Disorder Services (CREDS) | 1 Page |
| What to do when you think someone has an eating disorder | Central Region Eating Disorder Services (CREDS) | 3 Pages |
Want to Learn More?
Books, links, newsletters and top research to help you learn more about eating disorders.
| Booklist | EDEN | |
| Website List | EDEN | |
| Cochrane Review - Self-Help & Guided Self-Help for Eating Disorders | Cochrane Library | |
| Review published in 2006 | |||
| MindNet | | |
| Internet-based resource and e-bulletin about mental health | |||
| Health Translations Directory | State Government of Victoria, Australia | |
| Australian website with multilingual health information | Multiple Languages | ||
| Webhealth |  | |
| Dental Problems associated with Eating Disorders | Central Region Eating Disorder Services (CREDS) | 1 Page |
Date last reviewed