Eating disorders are persistent patterns of unhealthy eating or dieting behaviour. These patterns of eating behaviour are associated with emotional, physical, and social distress.
Eating disorders do not discriminate on the basis of gender, age, or race. They can be found in both genders, all age groups, and across a wide variety of races and ethnic backgrounds.
Eating disorders are not a choice. They are complex illnesses with biological, psychological, and environmental causes. It is important to seek help as early in the disease process as possible to provide the best opportunity for recovery. A common misconception regarding eating disorders is that they are a fad, a diet gone wrong, or an attention-seeking attempt.
This could not be further from the truth as eating disorders are serious, and in some cases fatal, mental illnesses which often require psychological and/or physical intervention to promote recovery. Families and friends are essential assets in the treatment of eating disorders. People who have recovered from eating disorders report that "relationships" and the support of loved ones is one of the key factors that helped them recover.
Maudsley Parents
A site for parents of children experiencing eating disorders. They are a volunteer organization of parents who have helped their children recover from anorexia and bulimia through the use of Family-Based Treatment, also known as the Maudsley approach, an evidence-based therapy for eating disorders.
For more information, visit the Maudsley Parents website.
F.E.A.S.Ts Around the Dinner Table Forum
Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders, or commonly known as F.E.A.S.T is an international organisation made up of, and for parents and caregivers to help loved ones recover from eating disorders by providing information and mutual support, promoting evidence-based treatment, and advocating for research and education to reduce the suffering associated with eating disorders.
Around the Dinner Table is an online community of parents of eating disorder patients around the world. ATDT is a moderated 24/7 Forum that has connected and supported parents since 2004.
To read more, visit F.E.A.S.Ts Around the Dinner Table website.
