Here are some common signs and symptoms of a possible eating disorder. If you experience any of these, you may benefit from speaking to a qualified mental health professional about your experience.

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• Preoccupation with eating, food, body shape and weight

• Inflexibility around exercise routines, which are prioritised above health, relationships and other important life areas

• Repeated food restriction

• Constant thinking about food and future meals

• Continual and unrelenting calorie counting 

• Feeling anxious around meal times

• Feeling “out of control” around food

• Rigid thoughts about food being “good” or “bad”

• Regularly using food as a source of comfort

• Using food/restriction as self-punishment

• Repeated dieting behaviour

• Eating in private or avoiding meals with others

• Binge eating (eating large amounts of food in a small space of time)

• Rapid weight loss or frequent changes in weight

• Ceased menstrual cycle 

• Fainting or dizziness

• Always feeling tired or difficulty sleeping

• Feeling cold most of the time, even in warm weather

At Drummoyne Psychology, our psychologists work from both Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-E) and Schema Therapy approaches in the treatment of eating disorders. CBT-E is highly effective in addressing the current symptoms and maintaining factors of eating disorders, while Schema Therapy helps identify and change the deeper underlying beliefs, emotional patterns, and coping styles that often contribute to the development and persistence of eating difficulties.

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We understand that every person’s experience with an eating disorder is unique. Treatment therefore begins with a thorough assessment to develop a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s symptoms, history, emotional wellbeing, relationships, coping patterns, and any contributing factors. From this, we create an individualised treatment plan tailored to the person’s specific needs, goals, and stage of recovery.

 

Our approach emphasises compassionate, collaborative, and personalised care. We work closely with individuals (and families if appropriate) to help them develop a healthier relationship with food, body image, emotions, and themselves, while also supporting broader wellbeing, functioning, and quality of life.

 

Where appropriate, we also collaborate with other treating professionals as part of a multidisciplinary team to ensure coordinated and holistic care.

Recovery from an eating disorder is possible but does require appropriate treatment and a high level of personal commitment on the part of the individual.

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Evidence suggests that the earlier you seek treatment for an Eating Disorder, the better the outcome. However, it is never too late to ask for help.

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Effective treatment for eating disorders is often most successful when supported by a multidisciplinary team. Depending on a person’s needs, treatment may involve a psychologist, GP, psychiatrist and dietitian, all working together to support both physical and psychological recovery.

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This collaborative approach helps ensure that medical health, nutritional needs, emotional wellbeing, and underlying psychological factors are addressed together, providing the best opportunity for sustainable recovery.

If you have an Eating Disorder you may be eligible for an Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan (EDP).

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The EDP was introduced by the Australian Government to facilitate increased support for people who have an eating disorder through Medicare. To be eligible for an EDP, you will need to get a EDP referral from your doctor.

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The following 4 diagnoses are eligible for an EDP referral:

• Anorexia Nervosa

• Bulimia Nervosa

• Binge Eating Disorder

• Otherwise Specified Eating Disorder ​

 

Under the EDP plan you are eligible to receive up to a maximum of 40 Medicare rebates within 12 months.

 

After the first 10 sessions you will need a treatment review from your doctor.

 

Following the completion of 20 sessions you may be eligible for another 20 Medicare rebated appointments. To release the allocation of these further appointments you will need to have a specialist psychiatrist review appointment.

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In addition, under the EDP, you are also eligible to receive up to 20 Medicare rebated appointments with a dietitian within 12 months. We can give you recommendations for dietitians who specialise in the treatment of eating disorders.