About eating disorders

An eating disorder develops when you consciously or subconsciously use food to cope with difficult emotions and/or anxiety provoking situations. In searching for a way of feeling in control of their life people can find themselves overcontrolling weight and shape. Ironically, the very thing used to give them a sense of control can ultimately take over their life and develop into a potentially life threatening illness. No one thing causes eating disorders, rather it is a combination of many factors resulting in someone feeling unable to cope. Difficult life events such as the loss of someone close; work, school or university problems; relationship difficulties with family or friends and emotional or sexual abuse are just a few potential triggers for an eating disorder. In fact anything that can impact negatively on our self-esteem and sense of control can be the root cause of an eating disorder.

Who is at risk?

An eating disorder shows little or no regard for social or cultural differences, it is not confined to age groups or sex. Eating disorders are indiscriminate, although those most commonly affected are young females between the ages of 15 and 25. The nature or nurture debate has been applied to eating disorders and we have found that both play a part in their development. Genetic make-up has been found to potentially have an impact on whether you could develop an eating disorder; just as the attitudes of key people in our lives can influence our approach to food and weight. If you are part of a situation that involves difficult family dynamics, social pressures or high expectation of academic achievement you may turn to eating disorders as a means of coping with the stress these provoke. Trauma can also be a potential trigger, therefore situations involving bereavement or family upheaval, bullying or abuse or even other illnesses can result in the development of an eating disorder.

What types of eating disorder are there?

An eating disorder diagnosis will be made by a GP, who will often refer to a list of diagnostic criteria to aid them with their diagnosis. Eating disorders are generally identified as anorexia, bulimia or eating disorders NOS (not otherwise specified). It is important to remember that someone can still have an eating disorder or body image issues and not meet the diagnostic criteria.

What if I recognise myself in these descriptions?

It is important that you seek help. Eating disorders are very isolating in their nature and are very difficult to battle alone. Left untreated they can have a seriously detrimental effect on your health.

How do I seek help?

You should approach your GP who can access the appropriate experts who provide eating disorder support in your area. If unsure and want to discuss your concerns please contact us.  

Accepting referrals from across the UK, we offer a residential alternative to hospital for adolescent and adult females who are already diagnosed with eating disorder and have had previous treatment in hospital or specialist service. A significant number of people with eating disorders get stuck in a “revolving door” cycle of treatment and relapse. This type of pattern can seriously impact upon a person’s life and identity, as well as their physical and mental health. Our homes and programmes were specifically designed to help females with eating disorders bring about life change and not just weight change. Whilst working on the eating disorder symptoms, we actively promote and support people to rediscover an identity outside of their illness. Because of our unique setting and treatment approach we are often referred to by other specialist services as a more appropriate means of helping those people who need a medium – longer term approach to help them defeat an eating disorder that has become enduring and entrenched, often over many years.

What if I’m already in treatment elsewhere?

We are certainly not saying all people with eating disorders would be better treated at  one of Althea Park Specialist Services units. There are many specialist care providers who offer services that deliver an excellent range of treatments for the majority of cases. However, if you are stuck in the “revolving door” and feel that you might benefit from a different approach, then your Consultant, GP or nurse may be willing to explore with you the possibility of referral to Althea Park Specialist Services. Should you not currently be working with a professional, we would be happy to have an informal discussion about our service.

For impartial advice and support Beat, the national eating disorder charity, are an excellent resource that offers invaluable help.  

For more information

If you would like to talk to us about help and support for you or someone you care for please contact us or visit our Care Finder to find a service close to you.