Student Development and Counselling
Mental Health Resources
Eating Disorders
This page contains relevant information and resources for students concerned about Eating Disorders and related behaviours.
Having a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle is vital in maintaining a health body and mind. While many people choose to diet in order to
get healthier, feel, or even look better, it should always be done with the help of a professional. Sometimes the desire to control our
bodies can become so great that the diet may get out of control, and can cause serious physiological problems. This is what is known
as an Eating Disorder. People can develop an eating disorder for many reasons, however it is typically thought in Australia that Eating
Disorders are related to a psychological disturbance of body image or a displaced symptom of another psychological concern. For
instance a young girl may attempt to starve herself of food as a means of outwardly communicating the problems she experiences at
home.
There are 3 main types of Eating Disorders:

Anorexia Nervosa;

Bulimia Nervosa; and

Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
The symptoms and causes of Eating Disorders can vary substantially from person to person, however, so if you believe that you have
experienced any of the symptoms mentioned below, or are attempting to avoid or purge your food, it is important that you make an
appointment with a healthcare professional as soon as possible to deal with these symptoms before they become more serious.
Information on Eating Disorder symptoms contained within this page have been taken from the ICD-10*.
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by deliberate weight loss that is intentionally induced and sustained by the sufferer. It occurs most
commonly in adolescent girls and young women, but adolescent boys and young men may also be affected, as may children
approaching puberty and older women. The disorder is associated with a specific dread of being fat or flabby, and the sufferer typically
imposes a low weight threshold on themselves. There is usually under-nutrition of varying severity with resulting physiological changes
and disturbances of bodily function. The symptoms include restricted dietary choice, excessive exercise, induced vomiting and
purgation, and use of appetite suppressants and diuretics.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by repeated bouts of overeating and an excessive preoccupation with the control of body weight,
leading to a pattern of overeating followed by vomiting or use of purgatives. This disorder shares many psychological features with
anorexia nervosa, including an overconcern with body shape and weight. Repeated vomiting is likely to give rise to disturbances of
body electrolytes and physical complications. There is often, but not always, a history of an earlier episode of anorexia nervosa.
Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
Because the symptoms and causes of Eating Disorders can vary markedly between individuals, sometimes an Eating Disorder may be
identified but cannot be classified as either Anorexia or Bulimia Nervosa. A diagnosis of an Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
may be given in these instances.
The above symptoms can be evidence of other serious conditions, so it is important to speak to a medical professional to reach an
accurate diagnosis. Speaking to a counsellor can help you to deal with any issues that may be contributing to these symptoms, and
find ways to overcome them. Check out the following resources and services for more information about Eating Disorders, their
causes, and available treatments.
Swinburne University Services and Resources
 Student Development and Counselling - For oneon-one counselling to help you deal with your
concerns about your body and find more appropriate
ways to overcome them
http://www.swinburne.edu.au/stuserv/counselling].

Swinburne Psychology Clinic - For one-on-one, or group, counselling to help address and overcome symptoms of Eating
Disorders [http://www.swinburne.edu.au/lss/psychology/pc].

Local Community Council Databases - Search for your local community services that offer treatment for Eating Disorders
[http://www.swinburne.edu.au/stuserv/communitylinks.html].
Other Eating Disorder Services and Resources
 Bronte Foundation, The - A national, tax-deductible charity established in response to the need for equitable access to
effective, humane and dignified treatment. The Bronte Foundation aims to ensure that all sufferers of eating disorders benefit
from its life-saving treatment [http://www.thebrontefoundation.com.au].

Butterfly Foundation, The - Works to prevent eating disorders by supporting education and early intervention programs
[http://www.thebutterflyfoundation.org.au].

Centre of Excellence in Eating Disorders (CEED) - Part of the Victorian government’s initiative to improve health care for
people with eating disorders. The centre aims to reduce the risk, duration and impact of eating disorders in people of all ages
by building Victoria's capacity to undertake effective prevention, early intervention and clinical care
[http://www.rch.org.au/ceed].

Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria - A non-profit association founded to support those whose lives are affected by
eating disorders, and to better inform the community about these disorders [http://www.eatingdisorders.org.au].

Richmond Fellowship of Victoria, The - Specialist Mental Health service providing psychosocial rehabilitation services to
people with psychiatric disability [http://www.rfv.org.au].

SANE - Phone 1800 18 SANE for crisis help during business hours. Website also provides an online helpline, fact sheets
and some translated material [http://www.sane.org].
World Health Organisation. (2003). International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision.
[Electronic Version].
*