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Resources - Eating Disorders

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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:

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*.

* World Health Organisation. (2003). International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision. [Electronic Version].

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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 as well as men and women of all ages can also be affected. 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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Other Eating Disorder Services and Resources

  • APS: Eating Disorders Tip Sheet - Tip Sheet for understanding and managing Eating Disorders, provided by the Australian Psychological Society.
  • 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.
  • Butterfly Foundation, The - Works to prevent eating disorders by supporting education and early intervention programs.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Keys to Success: Managing University Study with a Psychiatric Disability - A resource for current and prospective university students with a psychiatric disability. Compiled from information provided by students/graduates with a mental illness, and counsellors who work with them.
  • Richmond Fellowship of Victoria, The - Specialist Mental Health service providing psychosocial rehabilitation services to people with psychiatric disability.
  • SANE - Phone 1800 18 SANE for crisis help during business hours. Website also provides an online helpline, fact sheets and some translated material.
  • Virtual Pamphlet Collection - A collection of virtual pamphlets on many common student difficulties, including various mental health conditions as well as study tip sheets. Collated by the University of Chicago.
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