Treatment Options

There are a number of effective treatments for eating disorders that exist. These have been systematically appraised in the Australian, UK, Dutch and U.S. eating disorder guidelines.

Specific information for patients and carers regarding treatment can be found on this very extensive site at  https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng69

For more detailed reading Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists eating disorder treatment guidelines, 2014

• Ask questions about your inclusion
  At the beginning of the treatment process set the tone of collaboration through questions such as:
  “How will you involve me in the treatment of (the loved one’s name)?
  “What is a way we can all work together within the limitations of privacy act to achieve the best treatment for (the loved one’s name)?”
  “Can you explain to me what treatment you are doing so I can best support the process at home?”

• Use soft words
  Stand firm and be assertive in a gentle, non-confrontational way. Using softer words can assist in strengthening the team approach – examples: options, explain, help me understand, what do you need me to do, how best can I help.

• Keep your poise
  Regardless of how the professional team member is behaving, do your best to remain respectful while speaking with them. Avoid demands and statements. Instead, state your needs calmly.

• Don’t take your frustrations out on the health practitioner
  Instead debrief with an EDA support worker or book an long appointment with your GP to discuss things

• Keep everyone focused on the common goal
  Remind the team member/heatlh practitioner of the common goal: To get the person well and that it is now part of current evidence based treatment that inclusion of carers and family improves the treatment and recovery rate.

As eating disorders are primarily a mental health problem, the  person with the disorder may avoid being 100% truthful about their eating and/or exercise.

This can often put the person with eating disorder at risk and also sabotage treatment. So it is important that as the carer/support person you are able to have an open conversation with treating health professionals where appropriate.

As you are not the person with the eating disorder there are privacy considerations that you will need to be aware of. Negotiate with the health professionals and your loved one so that you have permission to access information regarding treatment approaches, goals and current health status so you are best able to support recovery.

This will enhance treatment, create accountability for everyone involved and encourage a team approach.

Understanding Privacy

• The commonwealth privacy act 1988 governs overall privacy in Australia, you can read up about it here.
• Queensland health has a booklet that is worth becoming familiar with if you are in that system. ‘Information sharing between mental health workers, consumers, carers, family and significant others’.

Eating disorders are serious and complex issues with medical and psychological components.

The inability and refusal to nourish one’s body adequately can result in serious physical and mental deterioration. As a result, the pathology of an eating disorder will sometimes lead to defiance and a refusal to seek help or compliance with treatment.

If someone you know is refusing medical intervention they could be putting their life at risk. In these extreme circumstances it may be appropriate to look into legal options for getting them to treatment.

If you can, get agreement from the person you are caring for to give you power of attorney allowing you to make decisions around their health care.

A guardian is a person appointed by QCAT (Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal) to help adults with impaired decision making capacity

• Guardianship for Adults

As a last resort, emergency help is available under the Mental Health Act. An Involuntary Treatment Order can be taken out should the person you care about be at risk and not willing to undergo treatment.

• Qld Govt. Mental Health Act
• Qld Govt. Mental Health Contacts

EDQ Fostering Recovery
The 1-day Fostering Recovery Workshop is based on the work of Professor Janet Treasure. It aims to help Queensland carers understand more about eating disorders and ways to support recovery. You’ll learn how to make meal times less stressful, develop positive coping strategies and communication skills, and foster a healthier relationship with your loved one. For more information on EDQ’s skill-based training workshop, contact EDQ here.

ARAFMI Educational Carer Workshop
Arafmi’s Carer workshops are specifically designed for carers and families of people with a psychosocial disability. These workshops provide an opportunity to learn and practice the many skills used in providing care to another person with a mental illness. Arafmi is a uniquely carer-based organisation formed by families who experience the loss, loneliness, stigma and isolation of caring for loved ones with serious mental illness.

Visit arafmi.com.au