Getting help with an eating disorder
Whai āwhina mō te matenga kainga
Many people with eating disorders feel embarrassed, ashamed or guilty. They have often tried to treat their disorder without success. This can make them believe that nothing will work and stop them getting help.
Eating disorders are treatable. But the longer someone has an eating disorder (particularly anorexia), the more ingrained their thinking and behaviour becomes. So, it is best to get treatment as early as possible. Specialist treatment such as cognitive behavioural therapy, is essential.
Talking to your general practice team is a good first step.
Specialist eating disorder services
South Island Eating Disorders Service (SIEDS)
SIEDS is a free service that mostly works with people as outpatients. This means they do not stay in hospital. It also provides hospital care when appropriate. The SIEDS team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses and specialists. It also includes dietitians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and social workers.
When treating young people, SIEDS often uses family-based treatment. This is based on the Maudsley family-based treatment approach. For adults, SIEDS works out which approach is best for each individual and their family.
They also offer a binge eating disorder group. This involves a course of weekly meetings using cognitive behaviour techniques. The aim is to understand and change the triggers that lead to binge eating. These include beliefs about food and eating, body weight and shape.
You will need to see your general practice team to be referred to SIEDS for assessment.
Counsellors and therapists
Talking therapies with a trained counsellor or psychologist help many people. Cognitive behavioural therapy is a type of talking therapy that can help people with eating disorders.
You can find counsellors, therapists, and psychiatrists in the Family Services Directory or Healthpoint. Some therapy options will cost. Your general practice team can talk through the approximate cost with you.
On the next page: Supporting someone who has an eating disorder
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed March 2024.
Sources
The information in this section comes from the following sources, some of which may be clinically complex or not available to the general public
Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria, What should I say to someone with an eating disorder? 2007.
Eating Awareness Team, St John of God Waipuna, patient information leaflets: Bulimia and addiction; Dieting makes you binge; Eating awareness information sessions; Eating disorders as coping strategies; How should I react?; How to help; Information for family & friends; Males: bulimia, binge, anorexia; Signs & symptoms of possible eating problems; What are the medical complications of eating disorders? What is anorexia? What is binge eating?; What is bulimia?
Kings College London, Eating disorders (https://www.ppta.org.nz/dmsdocument/226).
Maudsley Parents (http://www.maudsleyparents.org/).
NHS: Anorexia nervosa, Bulimia, Anorexia nervosa – David's story (archived).
South Island Eating Disorders Service, patient information leaflets: Answers to often asked questions, Got a question?, The facts, Tips for families.
Tom Shiltz, Anorexia nervosa in males. National Eating Disorders Association.
Image and embedded video sources
Image of a couple facing away from each other in bed from Shutterstock (image ID 129501278). December 2017.
Image of a girl checking her hair from Shutterstock (image ID 567599218). December 2017.
Image of a girl sitting on a beach from Shutterstock (image ID 1367964965). March 2024.
Image of a sad girl sitting in a chair from Shutterstock (image ID 1079756687). March 2024.
Image of a support group from Shutterstock (image ID 326495138). December 2017.
Image of a teenage girl having therapy from Shutterstock (image ID 1168791064). March 2024.
Image of a woman sitting on a park bench from Shutterstock (image ID 358802114). March 2016.
Image of pills with a measuring tape from Shutterstock (image ID 266532815). March 2024.
Image of someone standing on scales from Shutterstock (image ID 474756784). December 2017.
Image of two men talking together from Shutterstock (image ID 257195944). January 2021.
Image of young people having a get together over coffee from Shutterstock (image ID 1329059399). January 2021.
Page reference: 75494
Review key: HIEDI-73561