Loved ones may want to help you and get you professional support. While generally well-meaning, too often this support can feel oppressive, upsetting and triggering. When you’re already feeling exhausted and out of control, this may only make you feel worse.

Getting help isn’t easy. You might feel ashamed, embarrassed or scared. And this is perfectly normal.

But you’re not alone. At Brodie Earl Clinical Psychology, we’re here to offer warmth and genuine support as you journey towards recovery.

What are the different types of eating disorders?

Eating disorders are not one-size-fits all. Each person's struggle is unique and deserves empathetic care.

While we outline common signs and symptoms below, it's essential to remember that everyone's lived experience of an eating disorder is valid, whether they exhibit all symptoms or just a few. And if you find yourself sitting somewhere in the middle, or not quite fitting into certain characteristics, that’s okay. You still deserve help.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is characterised by body image concerns and an obsessive fear of gaining weight, usually resulting in food restriction and sometimes increased levels of exercise.

Anorexia usually develops during adolescence. The average onset of Anorexia Nervosa is 16-17 years. However, anorexia can occur at any age for people of any gender.

Common signs of anorexia include:

• Preoccupation with food, dieting, and counting calories

• Dramatic weight loss

• Avoiding mealtimes or eating in front of others

• Exercising excessively

• Irregular menstruation

• Constipation, stomach pain or other gastrointestinal issues

It’s important to note that, while typically anorexia nervosa includes people who are underweight, not everybody who experiences anorexia nervosa experiences the weight component. Too often, the stigma around larger bodies means that those with “atypical” anorexia nervosa are not as supported.

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating can leave you feeling out of control and distressed. Those with binge eating disorder have episodes of binge eating in which they consume large quantities of food in a brief period, experience a sense of loss of control over their eating and are distressed by the binge behaviour.

Signs of binge eating disorder include:

• Consuming large amounts of food in a short time

• Hoarding food, or hiding large quantities of food

• Skipping meals or avoiding eating in front of others

Binge eating is different to simply overeating. It’s an intense (and stressful) drive to overeat that is accompanied by feelings of shame and guilt.

Bulimia Nervosa

Individuals with bulimia nervosa typically alternate dieting, or restrictive eating on low calorie or other foods perceived as “safe foods”, with binge eating on “forbidden” high calorie foods. This binge eating is then followed by self-induced vomiting, fasting, over-exercising or use of laxatives.

Indicators that you may be struggling with bulimia include:

• Binge eating - eating large amounts of food in a short time

• Purging, including vomiting, and usage of laxatives or diuretics

• Exercising excessively

• Skipping meals or eating very small portions

• Constantly dieting

Our empathetic team at Brodie Earl is committed to helping individuals break this cycle. We focus on understanding the emotional triggers and behavioural patterns, providing support for lasting recovery.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a feeding or eating disorder in which people avoid eating certain foods, or restrict their diets to the point it ultimately results in nutritional deficiencies.

While other eating disorders are driven by body image concerns, ARFID is related to the sensory characteristics of food, such as its appearance, smell, texture, or taste; due to fear of negative consequences such as choking or vomiting; having little interest in eating or food (i.e., no appetite), or a combination of these factors.

Signs and symptoms of ARFID include:

• Food avoidance or aversion

• Fear or phobia of negative consequences of eating, such as vomiting, choking or an allergic reaction

• Avoidance of certain foods based on sensory characteristics such as the texture, smell, sight or taste

• Restricted diet with few foods that feel safe

ARFID may occur on its own, or be common alongside other conditions, such as autism, ADHD, trauma, OCD or anxiety. AFRID is not exclusive to children.

At Brodie Earl, we recognize the unique challenges of ARFID and tailor our approach to your individual needs. Our team works collaboratively to overcome barriers, promoting a balanced relationship with food.

Is recovery from an eating disorder possible?

Yes. Even if you’ve been living with an eating disorder for many years, it is possible to recover from an eating disorder.

While it won’t be easy, and it can often be a long process that requires a lot of commitment, recovery is absolutely possible, and absolutely worth the effort.

Eating Disorder Treatment Sydney

Book your psychology appointment at our Sydney clinic

If you’re seeking support with an eating disorder or related concerns, book your appointment at our Sydney psychology office by contacting us through our website form, emailing us at admin@brodieearl.com, or giving us a call on 0450 808 917.