Eating Disorder assessment & treatment in Bundaberg

Eating disorders we treat

Eating disorders can present in different ways, and not everyone experiencing difficulties with food, eating or body image will fit neatly into a particular diagnosis. At Coral Coast Eating Disorder Service, we recognise the importance of understanding each person’s individual experiences rather than focusing solely on diagnostic labels.

We provide assessment and evidence-based treatment for a range of eating disorders, including those outlined below.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterised by restrictive eating, an intense fear of gaining weight, and difficulties relating to body weight or shape. It can affect people of any age, gender or body size and may have significant physical and psychological consequences.

At Coral Coast Eating Disorder Service, we provide evidence-based treatment for anorexia nervosa, including Family-Based Treatment (FBT) for children and adolescents, Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM) for older teenagers & adults, and individualised nutritional rehabilitation.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterised by recurrent episodes of binge eating, accompanied by compensatory behaviours intended to prevent weight gain. These may include self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, fasting or excessive exercise. People experiencing bulimia nervosa may also have significant concerns about their body weight and shape.

At Coral Coast Eating Disorder Service, we provide assessment and evidence-based treatment for bulimia nervosa, including Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT-E), delivered by appropriately trained clinicians. Our multidisciplinary approach addresses both the psychological and nutritional aspects of recovery.

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterised by recurrent episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food while experiencing a sense of loss of control. These episodes are often accompanied by significant distress, guilt or shame. Unlike bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder does not involve regular compensatory behaviours such as self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise.

At Coral Coast Eating Disorder Service, we provide assessment and evidence-based treatment for binge eating disorder, including Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT-E). Our approach addresses the psychological and nutritional factors contributing to binge eating, with an emphasis on establishing regular eating patterns, reducing dietary restriction and developing a more positive relationship with food.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterised by persistent difficulties with food intake that can affect nutritional adequacy, growth, physical health or everyday functioning. Unlike anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, ARFID is not driven by concerns about body weight or shape.

ARFID may involve sensory sensitivities to food, limited interest in eating, or fears about unpleasant consequences of eating, such as choking or vomiting. It can occur at any age and is particularly relevant for some autistic individuals and people with other neurodevelopmental differences.

At Coral Coast Eating Disorder Service, we provide comprehensive ARFID assessment and individualised, neuroaffirming treatment for children, adolescents and adults. Our approach considers sensory experiences, nutritional needs, eating-related anxiety and the person’s broader developmental and psychological circumstances.

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED) describes clinically significant eating disorders that cause distress or impairment but do not meet all the diagnostic criteria for another specific eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder.

OSFED may include atypical anorexia nervosa, where a person experiences significant restrictive eating and other features of anorexia nervosa without being underweight. Other presentations include bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder occurring less frequently or for a shorter duration than required for those diagnoses.

OSFED can be just as serious as other eating disorders and may require comprehensive medical, nutritional and psychological treatment.

At Coral Coast Eating Disorder Service, we provide individualised assessment and evidence-based treatment for OSFED, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of eating disorder recovery.

Disordered Eating & Feeding Difficulties

Not everyone experiencing difficulties with eating, food or body image meets the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder. However, these difficulties can still significantly affect physical health, psychological wellbeing and quality of life.

Disordered eating may involve restrictive eating patterns, rigid food rules, anxiety around eating, recurrent dieting, emotional distress associated with food, or difficulties recognising and responding to hunger and fullness cues.

Feeding difficulties may involve sensory sensitivities, limited food variety, anxiety around unfamiliar foods or challenges with eating that occur alongside autism, ADHD or other neurodevelopmental differences.

At Coral Coast Eating Disorder Service, we provide individualised assessment and support for children, adolescents and adults experiencing disordered eating or feeding difficulties. Our approach focuses on understanding the factors contributing to these challenges and developing practical, sustainable strategies that support nutritional wellbeing and a healthier relationship with food.

Getting help

If you or someone you care about is experiencing difficulties with eating, food or body image, seeking support early can make a meaningful difference.

At Coral Coast Eating Disorder Service, we provide eating disorder assessments and ongoing treatment for children, adolescents and adults. Appointments are available in person in Bundaberg or via telehealth across Australia.

You do not need to have an existing eating disorder diagnosis to arrange an initial assessment.