Introduction
Eating disorders are the outward expression of
psychological and emotional turmoil. People with
eating disorders turn to food and eating as a means of
expressing their difficulties. While on the surface the
issue appears to be about food, at a deeper level eating
disorders express a fundamental unhappiness which
may originate from a number of different sources.
The two most common types of eating disorder are
Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. Experts do
not know the causes of these disorders nor why they
are increasing, however, most agree that biological,
cultural, psychological, social and personality factors
all play a part.
Anorexia has been known for over a century but it is
only since the early 1970’s that bulimia has been
known to professionals. Surveys have suggested that
anorexia affects 1-2% of adolescent girls and young
women and bulimia between 5-10% . Men also develop
anorexia and bulimia but in far smaller numbers.
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia is a serious psychological and physiological
disorder. It is characterised by deliberate attempts to
lose weight usually by voluntary starvation but, also by
inducing vomiting, abusing laxatives and exercising
excessively. Anorexia can be life-threatening - some
women starve themselves to death.
Symptoms of Anorexia

Severe weight loss

Intense fear and avoidance of maintaining a
normal body weight

Distorted body image where the sufferer,
even at an emaciated state, may perceive
herself/himself as fat

Preoccupation with food, weight and calories

Loss of sexual interest, loss of menstrual
periods in women and loss of libido in men

Isolation - loss of friends

Highly emotional and irritable behaviour
Physical Consequences of Anorexia

Sleep disturbance

Reduced mental ability

Excess hair growth on body

Poor circulation

Feeling excessively cold

Susceptibility to infections

Fatigue

Thin bones leading to deformity or
osteoporosis

Stunted growth

Serious complications affecting the heart,
stomach, kidneys, brain etc
Treatment for Anorexia

If weight loss is severe the individual may
need hospitalisation

The first priority is to maintain an adequate
weight

However, weight gain alone is usually not
sufficient. Psychological support such as
individual counselling or family therapy has
proven to be an effective form of
treatment. Only by treating the underlying
problems can the person with anorexia be
helped.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa is a disorder in which there are
repeated episodes of overeating (binges) and an
excessive preoccupation with control of body weight.
Binges are usually followed by self-induced vomiting
in order to avoid gaining weight. Other measures to
avoid weight gain include starvation, taking laxatives
and diuretics. The disorder is characterised by
secrecy, shame and guilt until help is sought and
recovery begins.
Symptoms of Bulimia

Over concern with weight and body shape

Intense preoccupation with and uncontrollable
cravings for food

Feeling of loss of control and guilt during an
eating binge followed by self-induced
vomiting, laxative abuse etc

Drastic weight fluctuations

Impulsivity and emotional instability

Depression, chronic anxiety
Physical Consequences of Bulimia

Damage to kidneys, stomach, oesophagus

Swollen salivary glands

Loss of body fluids

Muscle cramps and weakness

Fainting spells

Fits and irregular heart beats

Erosion of teeth
Treatment for Bulimia
The treatment is similar to that of anorexia.
In Summary
The sooner one begins treatment for an eating disorder,
Where to find Help
treatment is not always easy. So an important first step
Student Counselling Service
Room 010 on the ground floor of the main building. Left after the yellow staircase on the main corridor and left again.
Tel: ext 2635 (from outside 4042635)
in overcoming an eating disorder is for the person to
E-mail: aisling.obrien@it-tallaght.ie
the better the outcome is likely to be. Unfortunately,
convincing those with eating disorders that they need
Eating
Disorders
acknowledge to yourself and to helping
professionals that an eating disorder is a problem. If
you have an eating disorder seek professional help now!
Student Health Centre:
Room 110. off first floor corridor of the main college building. Extension 2613.
E-mail: orlagh.fleming@ittdublin.ie
As mentioned above all eating disorders are
symptomatic of emotional, psychological, personality,
social and cultural issues. In one-to-one counselling a
person can explore and learn to understand the


Your GP
Bodywhys Helpline
(Tel: 01-2835126)
underlying issues in a safe, confidential environment
thus breaking the experience of isolation. An individual
Some Reading
can gain new coping strategies conquering the driven
There is quite a lot of literature on eating disorders
in most large book shops. Below are some books
available in the College Library
obsession with food and body image that seems to
override all life’s activities.
Recovery is not immediate. In some ways, it is ongoing.
People with eating disorders may need to repeatedly
face and struggle with the same issues again and again
in order to achieve any resolution. However, what is
Eating Disorders: the facts
- Suzanne Abraham (1997)
When food becomes your enemy: anorexia
nervosa,
bulimia nervosa and comfort eating
- Gillian Moore-Groake (1996)
important to remember is that recovery is possible.
Eating your heart out: understanding and
overcoming eating disorders
- Julia Buckroyd (1996)
Student Counselling Service
Anorexia and Bulimia: your questions answered
- Julia Buckroyd (1996)
Institute of Technology, Tallaght
Student Services