Eating disorders

An eating disorder is a mental health condition. It involves an unhealthy relationship with food. Find out about the different eating disorders here.

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Binge-eating disorder (BED)

Binge-eating disorder (BED) often involves someone eating large amounts of food even after they feel full. Discover more about BED here.

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Eating disorders and body image

An estimated 1 million Australians experience a type of eating or body image disorder. But treatment is available to help them lead healthier lives.

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Mental health conditions

Mental health conditions broadly refers to many conditions, including mood disorders, eating disorders and anxiety conditions.

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Bulimia nervosa

It's not unusual to be concerned about body image or diet, but using extreme weight loss methods can lead to eating disorders, like bulimia nervosa.

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Body image

An unhealthy body image affects your wellbeing and mental health, and may lead to eating disorders. Here are a few tips for improving body image.

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Anorexia nervosa

People with anorexia nervosa have an irrational fear of gaining weight and put themselves on restrictive diets and harsh, punishing exercise routines.

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What to do if you are underweight

Being underweight can affect your health adversely. So, it’s important to understand what ‘underweight’ means and how you can gain weight safely if you need to. Learn more here.

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Self-harm

Self-harm can involve cutting the skin, alcohol misuse or an eating disorder, and is often a way of coping with low self-esteem or trauma.

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Teenagers' health

Growing up to a young adult can be exciting, but can also be tough for a lot of teenagers. Find out what to expect during puberty, and learn about health issues including acne, eating disorders, glandular fever and more.

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Your Christmas mental health questions answered

healthdirect's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Nirvana Luckraj, answers your questions on looking after your mental health at Christmas time.

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Obesity

Obesity is a term used to describe being overweight. Obesity can lead to symptoms that affect your life. Learn about BMI, prevention and treatment options.

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Types of mental illness

There are nearly 300 mental disorders listed in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). This is a handbook used by health professionals to help identify and diagnose mental illness.

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Mindfulness

Research shows that mindfulness – focusing on the present – can improve memory and reduce stress, and it’s a technique that anyone can practise.

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Mental health and wellbeing

Almost half of Australian adults will experience a mental illness at some point in their life. Mental health conditions do not discriminate, and can affect anyone. But support and treatment can help.

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Body dysmorphic disorder

Body dysmorphic disorder causes someone to feel shame or disgust with part of their body or appearance. Any body part can become its focus.

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Psychiatrists and psychologists

A psychiatrist is a doctor who has done extra medical training to become a specialist in mental health. Learn about what they do and how they can help you.

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Potassium deficiency

Potassium is a mineral and electrolyte, found in foods such as bananas, that helps nerves and muscles function. Both high and low potassium levels can be dangerous.

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Antidepressant medicines

Antidepressant medications treat depression, anxiety and related conditions. They should only be used in consultation with a doctor.

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Mental health resources for someone I know

If a friend or loved one doesn't seem themselves anymore, you might have noticed some behavioural and physical signs that indicate something's not quite right.

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Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a group of therapies designed to help someone change their thinking patterns and improve their coping skills.

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Dissociative identity disorder

Dissociative identity disorder, previously known as multiple personality disorder, causes people to feel as though they have multiple distinct personalities.

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Histrionic personality disorder

People with histrionic personality disorder can seem highly dramatic and approval seeking, with a desire to be the centre of attention.

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Counsellors and counselling

Counsellors work in mental health and other settings. They specialise in building relationships based on discussions between the client and counsellor.

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Changes to your appetite

You may have noticed you gained or lost a lot of weight without using a diet. Appetite changes are caused by many things, including anxiety and depression.

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Mental health resources for me

Does something not feel quite right? Are you concerned with your own mental wellbeing?

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Magnesium blood test

A magnesium blood test checks your magnesium levels. Find out how to prepare for a magnesium blood test and what your results may mean.

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Scurvy

Scurvy can affect people who do not get enough vitamin C. Learn more about the causes, symptoms and treatments, and how changes to your diet can prevent scurvy.

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Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is used to treat people with borderline personality disorder. It aims to change negative thought patterns and behaviours.

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Teenage mental health

Teenagers and adolescents can suffer from mental health issues as they experience new relationships, school or study or starting a new job.

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