What to do?
If you suspect your child/loved one has an eating disorder or has been diagnosed with an eating disorder (refer to the section on "Is it an eating disorder?") you must act now as research shows,
- The sooner you get treatment for an eating disorder the better the chances of recovery
- 10% of girls experiment with dieting to the point where they are at risk of getting an eating disorder. Intervention in the early stages could prevent a long term illness.
1. Visit your GP.
Ensure they are weighed weekly so the GP can monitor his/her weigh. Children especially those 14 years and younger can deteriorate very quickly. If for any reason your GP does not take your concerns seriously, seek a second opinion.
2. Get a referral to Eating Disorder Services.
Regardless of how compromised the person is insist that you get a referral to the Eating Disorder Services. (There are three Eating Disorder Services in New Zealand located in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch). Most likely there will be a waiting list so the sooner you get on it the better. If your GP is reluctant to make a referral and you believe there is a problem go directly to Eating Disorder Service in your region.
3. What to do while you are on the waiting list
If you cannot get into the Eating Disorder Services immediately it may be useful to see a therapist and dietician privately to try and stabilise the person's weight. Like GP's some therapists and dieticians have more experience and knowledge of eating disorders than others. If you need assistance with choosing practitioners call EDANZ helpline.
Here is a useful list of do's and don'ts for helping someone with anorexia:-
www.eatingdisorders.about.com/od/longtermrecovery/a/howtohelpfriend.htm
Here is an EDS supportive eating booklet .People with eating disorders frequently find it helpful to have someone to support them with their eating.
4. Who might be involved in treatment?
- GP- the first contact and the one who should be able to diagnosis the eating disorder. Generally a GP referral is required before a person can be seen by a specialist eating disorder clinic such as EDS, Greenlane, Auckland.
- Psychologist- An individual who treats people through counselling in an attempt to help overcome emotional or psychological problems.
- Psychiatrist- A medical doctor who has specialized in mental health. A psychiatrist focuses on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders. The psychiatrist may prescribe drugs.
- Psychotherapist- Supportive counselling that tries to guide you to recovery without changing your basic personality. Supportive listening to your experience and its emotional impact is a key component.
- Nutritionist- A health professional with special training in nutrition that can help with meal planning.
While a person with a serious eating disorder should be seen by a specialist ED unit these generally have waiting lists which may necessitate the family putting together its own team of private practitioners to help.
