Information Sheet – Eating disorder
What is an eating disorder?
Nearly all of us worry about our weight at some time in our lives. However, some
people become so obsessed with their weight and the need to be thin that they
develop an eating disorder. The two most common eating disorders are anorexia
nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
Once seen mostly in teenagers and young adults, these disorders are increasingly
seen in younger children as well. Eating disorders are characterised by disturbed
eating patterns, in association with anxiety and distress, and sometimes unrealistic
perceptions of body shape and weight.
Signs can include:
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Preoccupation with body appearance or weight
Rapid weight loss or fluctuation in weight (adolescence) or failure to gain
weight (childhood)
Extreme or unusual behaviours in relation to food and eating e.g. hiding food
Excessive exercise or rapid changes in exercise patterns
Evidence of shakiness, dizziness or feeling faint
Frequent trips to the toilet
Mood changes such as irritability, anxiety or depression
Decline in concentration, memory or academic performance
Withdrawal from social contact, interests and hobbies.
Types of eating disorders include:
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Anorexia Nervosa- where a person refuses to maintain normal body weight
because of negative perceptions about the size or shape of their body.
Bulimia Nervosa- is also associated with problems in the person’s
perception of their own body shape and weight, but the person frequently
feels out of control around food. People with this disorder develop a pattern
of binge eating, followed by extreme measures to compensate for their food
intake such as abuse of laxatives, self-induced vomiting and excessive
exercise
Binge Eating Disorder- is characterised by periods of binge eating and
discomfort that are often accompanied by feelings of guilt and shame. They
do not engage in compensatory behaviour after eating, however it is still
psychologically and physically damaging.
Educational Implications
Students with eating disorders may look like model students, often leading the class
and being very self-demanding. Others may show poor academic performance.
When students with eating disorders are preoccupied with body image and
controlling their food intake, they may have short attention spans and poor
concentration. These indicators may also be due to a lack of nutrients from fasting
and vomiting.
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Student Services, Department of Education, Training and the Arts
Information Sheet – Eating disorder
These students often lack the energy and drive necessary to complete assignments
or homework. Other implications for schools include:
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Absences from school for treatment of health problems because of eating
habits
Side effects of malnutrition such as lethargy, forgetfulness and poor
judgement
Possible periods of hospitalisation
Difficulty concentrating
Social withdrawal-mood swings/irritability leading to behavioural problems
and social isolation
Failure to complete tasks or assessment because of increased perfectionism.
Possible Educational Adjustments
Educational adjustments are designed to meet individual student needs on a caseby-case basis. Possible adjustments include:
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Avoiding high levels of competition
Identification of cues and triggers for anxiety
Identification of key school-based issues and development of appropriate
strategies
Identification of a school mentor with regular contact
Recognising small achievements using positive reinforcement, communication
strategies and feedback
Provision of a special area at school to eat lunch
Reduction of subject load, with regular reviews
Encouragement of independent study
Exemption or alternative arrangements (refer to QSA Policy for Special
Consideration)
If the student is returning from hospitalisation or time out of school due to
the illness, plan for a successful return to school by reducing stress and
providing accommodations as necessary
Work with the parents and the therapist to understand how the disorder
manifests for this student.
Extended time for tests and exams
Negotiated attendance arrangements
Access to regular counselling services from external agencies such as Child
and Youth Mental Health Services
Access to regular support from guidance officer or school based youth health
nurse.
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Student Services, Department of Education, Training and the Arts