Eating Disorders
- For those who think they may be suffering from an Eating Disorder.
- For those that are worried about a friend or housemate.
There are lots of labels associated with Eating Disorders. However, most people with a problem with food share common fears and worries. They fear that they can't control themselves around food and the resulting symptoms are a consequence of their attempts to regain some control and feel safe and confident once more. Not dealing with the underlying concerns means that they may end up in a terrifying cycle of symptoms that only confirm the belief that they can't trust themselves around food. The treatment offered at the University Health Service is based on dealing with each individual's specific fears and concerns as well as relearning to trust themselves to eat a healthy balanced diet. The clinic has been running for over 10 years and the therapy offered has a sound evidence base and a proven success rate.
The SCOFF questionnaire is a quick way of confirming an ongoing Eating Disorder:
- Do you make yourself Sick because you feel uncomfortably full?
o Yes
o No
- Do you worry you have lost Control over how much you eat?
o Yes
o No
- Have you recently lost more than One stone in a 3 month period?
o Yes
o No
- Do you believe yourself to be Fat when others say you are too thin?
o Yes
o No
- Would you say that Food dominated your life?
o Yes
o No
Other behaviours that are a concern include: taking laxatives, diet pills or exercising to compensate for eating and panicking if you are unable or feel you have not done enough to restore a feeling of calmness or control. If you feel that any of this applies to you, then please don't be frightened to come and see us. When you attend the clinic we will listen to your problems and give you the choice to begin treatment when you are ready.
You can book in advance, by telephone, or by calling into the surgery.
- This clinic is run by Nurse specialists: Helen Root and Kate Booth
- On Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9am and 4pm
- You can either be referred to the Eating Disorders clinic by your Doctor or you can refer yourself directly
- These appointments are 1 hour in length
Students who are worried about friends/housemates are welcome to contact us for advice; however, there is little anyone can do to help someone who is not ready to admit that they have a problem. Many sufferers worry that help will focus entirely on food and fear that they will lose control and their worst fears will be confirmed. As a worried friend, the best you can do to help is encourage them to find out more about the kind of help they can receive.
Biteback, SYEDA and Beat also provide support and help for those concerned about others.
