top of page

Understanding Anorexia Nervosa
Exploring Eating Disorders and Their Impact

Evolving Minds Counselling recognise the importance of high quality treatment for eating disorders, including Anorexia Nervosa.  This is why our clinicians are trained in evidence based therapies and hold qualifications for each one of these.  We are also credentialied with ANZAED and NEDC.

​

Anorexia Nervosa is a mental illness that can be life threatening and occurs in both males and females.  The good news is, early intervention and the provision of appropriate treatment can result in a person recovering from eating disorders like, Anorexia Nervosa.  The earlier an eating disorder is engaged in treatment, the greater the likelihood of recovery.

​

​Several myths exist around Anorexia Nervosa that are unhelpful. 

 

​What we do know is:

  • no-one chooses Anorexia Nervosa;

  • dieting is a predictor for the development of an eating disorder;

  • cultural factors such as the glorification of thinness has a significant impact on a person's self-esteem and body image;

  • a person's personality and traits can make them more susceptible to disordered eating;

  • excessive exercise can be seen as a pre-cursor;

  • most people go to great lengths to hide their eating disorder behaviour;

  • there is no evidence that proves a link between family dysfunction and the onset of eating disorders like, Anorexia Nervosa.

​

While the presentation of Anorexia Nervosa differs from person to person, for a diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa you would need to meet the following criteria as per DSM-5:

​

  • Persistent restriction of energy intake leading to significantly low body weight;

  • An intense fear of gaining weight or of becoming fat, or persistent behaviour that interferes with weight gain;

  • Disturbance in the way one's body weight or shape is experienced;

  • Persistent lack of recognition of the seriousness of the current low body weight.

 

​Anorexia Nervosa should be considered if a person displays:

  • a preoccupation with weight;

  • change in a person's tolerance to food or preoccupation with food;

  • unexplained tiredness;

  • signs of depression and/or anxiety;

  • decrease in concentration;

  • perfectionistic traits;

  • distorted body image;

  • change in menstruation;

  • self-harm;

  • suicidal ideation.

​

Evolving Minds Counselling has extensive training and provides early intervention to those who may be showing signs of Anorexia Nervosa, or have a diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa. We also support family members who may be caring for someone with Anorexia Nervosa.

​

We have completed specialist training in MANTRA, Maudsley Family Based Therapy (FBT), CBT-E, DBT-E, Schema Therapy for Eating Disorders and RO DBT. 

​

If you would like to know more or would like to book an appointment with Evolving Minds Counselling you can do so by calling (02) 8519 4197 or by completing our online booking form below.

bottom of page