Eating disorders often reflect how some people cope with stress and psychological difficulties. The causes of the illness are complex, there is no single cause nor group of symptoms that will apply to everyone. Individuals often feel that they have a mixture of symptoms, or alternate between them, but that is quite common. People will respond differently to treatment, and an individuals recovery journey is specific and personal to them in its form and length.

The main eating disorders listed are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder and OSFED presentations (Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders).

The diagnosis of eating disorders is not often clear cut, and clients’ presentations are at times complex with other co-morbidity. EDS does not provide diagnoses of any eating disorder; instead, the individual symptoms are categorised and used to match appropriate treatment. Diagnoses can only be provided by a psychiatrist.

EDS works with eating disorders in their varying presentations including:

• Anorexia Nervosa & OSFED Anorexia Nervosa
• Bulimia Nervosa & OSFED Bulimia Nervosa
• Binge Eating Disorder & OSFED Binge Eating Disorder
• Type 1 Diabetes & Disordered Eating – also known as Diabulimia (T1DE)
• Avoidant & Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Based on our experience the earlier someone seeks help, the sooner they can work on their recovery, minimising the likelihood of decline and complications.