April 2024 Newsletter

In this issue...

• Message from the Chair
• Research corner:
• Exciting News – Our Research Project is launched... have your say! 
• Families tackling adolescent anorexia nervosa: family wellbeing in family-based treatment or other interventions. A scoping review.
• Approaching an eating disorder: 
• How to spot the signs of disordered eating in youth: Tips for parents and caregivers
• Approaching someone you suspect has an eating disorder
• Upcoming EDANZ support meetings

April is always a month full of changes. We have Easter, the school holidays, and the beginning of Autumn. This can come with excitement, but also with challenge. Please remember that the EDANZ volunteers are always here to offer support – our phone lines are always open. 

There has been a lot happening over the last month, so we have tried to provide an overview here. We have included an article that was in the media last week about spotting the signs of an eating disorder. We take a look at these early signs, and provide some tips on approaching a loved one who may have an eating disorder. We also provide a research update on a new study looking at Family-Based Treatment (FBT) and family wellbeing. 

 But most of all, we are excited to share that we have launched our co-development survey and we need your input! Read below to find out how you can be involved.

Sending you good wishes and hope
Wiebke

EDANZ is very excited to announce that our co-development survey has launched and we need you to contribute!

This survey is the first of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand. The outcomes will help us work out what the priorities are for future research into carers and supporters of someone with an eating disorder. We want you to have your say!

Go to Survey

If you have any questions, please contact Meg: meg@ed.org.nz

https://forms.office.com/r/kwLYf1CSmF

We acknowledge Joanne Stephenson of Ashburton for her generous bequest to EDANZ for research.

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Families tackling adolescent anorexia nervosa: family wellbeing in family-based treatment or other interventions. A scoping review

This scoping review out last month explored the impact of Family-Based Treatment (FBT) on family wellbeing. Across 30 studies, the overall results suggest that there is no difference in family wellbeing between FBT and other treatments. Instead, family wellbeing appeared to either improve or remain the same throughout the treatment journey. This is reassuring for families and clinicians using FBT as a first-line approach.

“It may generate hope for families and clinicians that many studies do find an improvement in family wellbeing over treatment time with families experiencing better communication, fewer family conflicts, less enmeshment, and more adaptability regardless of treatment forms. It is important knowledge for parents and clinicians, that there is no evidence at presence suggesting that FBT, with its active involvement of parents, may harm family wellbeing in general. On the other hand, giving parents an active role does not improve family wellbeing more than other treatments either.”

Read Article

How to spot the signs of disordered eating in youth: Tips for parents and caregivers

This article, originally published in Canada, provides a brief outline of some of the earliest signs of an eating disorder, and some general recommendations for all parents and caregivers, such as being aware of the signs and parental role-modelling.

“Eating disorders do not discriminate. They can occur in people of any race/ethnicity, age, socioeconomic class or gender. Youth who do not “fit” the stereotype of an eating disorder, especially those from black, indigenous and racialised backgrounds, may face delayed recognition and diagnosis.”

Read Article

Approaching someone you suspect has an eating disorder

Following on from the previous article, we wanted to include some advice on approaching the topic an eating disorder with a loved one. Eating Disorders Victoria provide some great advice for family and whānau, including being prepared, communicating honestly and openly, avoiding labelling or judgemental language, and offering information. One more piece of advice we would recommend is to always remember your love for one another.

“It may seem challenging, but keep in mind you are doing the best thing for your loved one, and for yourself. There are no right or wrong ways to start this discussion as every situation and person is different, however there are some points to consider.”

Read Article

Upcoming support group meetings

EDANZ believes parents/carers have unique abilities to support one another and we hold regular meetings to which you are warmly invited. Currently, we're joining together around the country once a month thanks to videoconferencing technology. 

If you would like to participate in a virtual support group, please RSVP to info@ed.org.nz and we'll send you the link.

Meetings in 2024 will be held on the first Wednesday of each month at 8pm-9pm.

Upcoming meetings:

• Wednesday, April 3rd, 8pm
• Wednesday, May 1st, 8pm
• Wednesday, June 5th, 8pm