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News Archives
NOVEMBER 2009
OCTOBER 2009
SEPTEMBER 2009
AUGUST 2009
JULY 2009
JUNE 2009
MAY 2009
APRIL 2009
MARCH 2009
NOVEMBER 2009
Tuesday 24th November, 2009
Eating Disorders and Depression Fact Sheet
Eating Disorders Victoria has a new fact sheet available for download on their website entitled Eating Disorders and Depression.
To view the fact sheet please click here.
The fact sheet was prepared in conjunction with Beyond Blue and outlines the symptoms of both eating disorders and depression, and the links that exist between the two.
Tuesday 17th November, 2009
EDV's Kick Start Recovery Program Announced for 2010
Eating Disorders Victoria has announced details of it's Kick Start Recovery program for 2010, a 6-week program presented by local eating disorders specialists, including registered psychologists Linda Tilgner, Lyndon Medina and Dr Beth Shelton, as well as Sarah Harry (founder of Recovery is Possible for Everyone).
The program will run from February to April 2010 and includes workshops on self esteem, body image and exercise in their relation to eating disorders, with the final session in the form of a recovery support group.
For preliminary details please click here (details subject to change).
Wednesday 11th November, 2009
NHMRC Project Grants for Research into Anorexia Treatment
Susan Byrne, Associate Professor at UWA and Research Consultant at the Centre for Clinical Interventions, has been awarded an NHMRC Project Grant of $584,125 to evaluate three promising new treatments for anorexia nervosa (AN) in adults. Her co-investigators are Australia's leading researchers/clinicians in the field of eating disorders (Professor Tracey Wade in Adelaide, and Professors Phillipa Hay and Stephen Touyz in Sydney), and other CIs include Professors Christopher Fairburn, Janet Treasure and Ulrike Schmidt from the UK and Dr Virginia McIntosh from New Zealand. Associate investigators include Dr Ross Crosby (from the US) and Dr. Anthea Fursland (from CCI in Perth).
This Australian multi-centre Randomised Controlled Trial will be the first of its type in the world.
Tuesday 10th November, 2009
2008/2009 Eating Disorders Victoria Annual Report
Eating Disorders Victoria held their 2009 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday 28th October, 2009 with a record turnout of members, volunteers, staff and board members attending the evening.
To coincide with the event, EDV released their 2008/2009 Annual Report which provides a comprehensive wrap up of the organisation's key statistics, highlights, achivements and financial results for the past 12 months. The document is now published on the EDV website.
To download a copy of the 2008/09 Annual Report, please click here.
Wednesday 4th November, 2009
Skill-Building Opportunity for Carers of a Person With an Eating Disorder
Eating Disorders Victoria, in collaboration with Deakin University is inviting carers of a person with an eating disorder to participate in a 7-week FREE pilot research program based on the work of Professor Janet Treasure of the Maudsley Institute, London., the skill-building approach aims to assist carers develop:
The program aims to help carers develop clear, consistent, calm communication skills; problem-solving skills to address problem behaviour; communication skills to enhance their loved one's motivation to recover; and effective coping skills to maintain your own health.
For more information please click here.
OCTOBER 2009
Wednesday 11th October, 2009
Finding Help for Someone with a Mental Health Problem
The Carers Victoria Respite Connections Mental Health Program recently released a directory designed for Victorians which provide active links to the information sites of the major mental health services in Victoria. It also provides information and links to organisations which offer a range of general health, personal and social supports.
The directory is intended to be a "user friendly" entry to what can be a complex system and it is hoped that by providing active links to relevant websites, the information offered will be kept current. The resource will also be updated regularly and invites organisations who would like to have their information included or edited in the next version to contact chrism@carersvic.org.au.
To download the resource, please click here.
SEPTEMBER 2009
Tuesday 29th September, 2009
New Book Review on EDV Website
A new book review has been published on the Eating Disorders Victoria website. I Dreamt I Looked Like a Supermodel, written by Jane Geyer, was reviewed by EDV's Volunteer Services Co-ordinator Marilyn Amendola. To view this and other book reviews, please click here.
Wednesday 23rd September, 2009
Mindful Eating Workshop
Eating Disorders Victoria will be holding another 'Try Mindful Eating' workshop on the 19th of November which will provide an experience of the language of mindfulness; mindfulness and eating principles; skills of mindful eating; mindful craving control; and mindful stress management.
EDV ran it's first 'Try Mindful Eating workshop in August which booked out in advance, so be sure to make your reserve your place early.
The workshop will be held from 6.00pm - 9.30pm at Victoria University (Flinders Lane Campus) at a cost of $77 per person.
Wednesday 16th September, 2009
EDV Launches Online Carer Chat Session
Eating Disorders Victoria has created an online community for families, friends and partners of people with eating disorders called 'Care & Share'. It is a virtual meeting place to share stories, experiences, knowledge, give and receive support, learn coping strategies and feel less isolated.
This week, EDV launched the chat session service within the Care & Share community which operates on Mondays from 10am-12pm. The sessions are open to carers and loved ones of a person with an eating disorder and are fully moderated by EDV.
For more information, or to join Care & Share, click here.
Wednesday 9th September, 2009
Ballarat Building Hope Workshop
Eating Disorders Victoria, in collaboration with Deakin University, is offering a six week workshop in Ballarat for families and parents of a person with an eating disorder, commencing on the 29th of October, 2009. The program is based on Professor Janet Treasure's research on the motivational style of treatment of people with an eating disorder. This is the fifth Building Hope workshop for 2009 and participant feedback from previous workshops have been extremely positive.
The workshops will be held at the Ballarat Health Service at a cost of $80 per person or $120 per couple. For more information, including registration details, click here.
Tuesday 8th September, 2009
Real Life Doesn't Need Retouching Campaign Launch
The Office for Youth and the Victorian Government have just launched their campaign 'Real life Doesn't Need Retouching' as part of the Go For Your life Positive Body Image Strategy for young people.
Forming part of the Positive Body Image Strategy, the 'Real Life Doesn't Need Retouching' campaign aims to raise awareness among young people about the use of digital manipulation to images of so called 'perfect bodies' on TV, billboards and in magazines.
For more information on this campaign please click here, or to view the advertisement click here.
Tuesday 8th September, 2009
Position Opening for Senior Research Fellow (University of Melbourne)
The University of Melbourne is seeking a Senior Research Fellow, Eating Disorders Specialist, in their Centre for Adolescent Health, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. The Senior Research Fellow will contribute to establishing and growing a research program in child and adolescent eating disorders. This will include managing research protocols, and supervising research staff and higher degree students.
For more information on the position, please click here.
Wednesday 2nd September, 2009
Purchase Families and Eating Disorders DVD Online
Eating Disorders Victoria and Realtime Health have produced a DVD entitled Families and Eating Disorders, which provides an insight into the experiences and strategies of several families in supporting a person with an eating disorder.
This week EDV has launched the online sale of the DVD. A discounted rate of $29.95 (inc GST) + $5.00 P&H for personal/private use, while the standard rate of $77.00 (inc GST) + $5.00 P&H applies for professional use. Please click on the links above to download an order form.
AUGUST 2009
Tuesday 11th August, 2009
New Anorexia Support Group in Ringwood
A support group for people recovering from anorexia is being launched in Ringwood on Wednesday 12th August, 2009. The group is being held fortnightly by Recovery is Possible for Everyone (RIPE), and runs for 1.5 hours (3.30pm - 5.00pm) at a cost of $25 per session.
The group is open to people 17 years or over at any stage of recovery from anorexia and provides support to participants in a recovery-focused, traditional group therapy format. Participants are welcome to join the group at anytime and encouraged to phone Sarah Harry on 0412 128 115 for further details.
Tuesday 11th August, 2009
ANZAED Conference, Brisbane 2009
The 7th Annual Conference of the Australia and New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED) will be held later this month on the 28th and 29th of August, with a clinical training day being held on Thursday 27th August.
The conference will feature keynote addresses from Prof. Kathleen Pike (Japan) and Dr. Angela Morgan (Australia), as well as a number of symposiums, workshops and presentations across the three days presenting on innovations within the field from a number of leading experts from Australia and New Zealand. Registrations are still open, for more details visit www.anzaed.org.au.
Wednesday 5th August, 2009
St. Vincent's Eating Disorders Day Programme
St. Vincent's Body Image and Eating Disorders Service have released details of their Eating Disorders Day Programme: an intensive group-based outpatient programme specifically designed to treat people suffering from eating disorders. The programme includes group psychotherapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills group, nutrition groups and meal support. The programme will run Mondays and Thursdays (you must be attend both days) and is open to people of all ages and at all stages of recovery.
The cost is $800 per month (medicare rebates may be available) and dates have not yet been announced. For more information please contact St. Vincent's Eating Disorders Service by phone on 9854 1700, or email dion.nowoweiski@svhm.org.au.
Wednesday 5th August, 2009
2010 International Conference on Eating Disorders
The Academy for Eating Disorders (USA) has announced details of its annual International Conference on Eating Disorders for 2010, following the untimely cancellation of their 2009 conference in Cancun, Mexico, due to the swine flu outbreak.
The conference will be held in Salzburg, Austria from the 10th-12th June, 2010. A research training day will be held on the 9th of June. Funding opportunities and scholarships are being made available through AED. For more information visit www.aedweb.org/conference.
JULY 2009
Tuesday 28th July, 2009
Insights into the Causes of Anorexia
The University of California released a study last week suggesting personality and temperament may increase an individual's vulnerability to developing anorexia. Predisposing factors such as perfectionism, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive tendencies may precede the onset of anorexia.
The resulting starvation and malnutrition has profound effects on the brain and other organ systems, which may exaggerate pre-existing traits.
University of California - San Diego (2009, July 23). New Insights Into Causes Of Anorexia. ScienceDaily. Retrieved July 28, 2009.
To read about anorexia on the Eating Disorders Victoria website, please click here.
Tuesday 28th July, 2009
Research Suggests Link Between Brain Protein and Anorexia
Research released earlier this month into the physical causes of anorexia suggests a link to low levels of a brain protein called BDNF. Researchers at Chiba University in Japan found that anorexic women had lower levels of BDNF in their blood than healthy women or those who had recovered from anorexia. Women with low BDNF also had the lowest self-image and suffered from anxiety and depression.
Cynthia Bulik, a member of Faculty of 1000 Medicine and leading expert in the field of psychiatry and eating disorders forecasts that "...BDNF may emerge as a useful biomarker of [anorexia] and of recovery from [anorexia]."
Ref: Nakazato M, Tchanturia K, Schmidt U, Campbell IC, Treasure J, Collier DA, Hashimoto K, Iyo M. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and set-shifting in currently ill and recovered anorexia nervosa (AN) patients. Psychol Med, 2009 Jun 39(6):1029-35.
Thursday 16th July, 2009
Launch of EDV Schools Program
Eating Disorders Victoria will be holding two half-day workshops which will explore important issues regarding body image and eating disorder prevention, intervention and education in schools.
The first workshop, entitled Understanding and Managing Eating Disorders in Schools, will be held at Victoria University in August. The second workshop, Preventing Eating Disorders and Promoting Positive Body Image in Schools: A Whole School Approach will take place in October.
For more information, including registration details, please click here.
Wednesday 8th July, 2009
Information on Eating Disorders
The Age newspaper has a regularly updated page on its website devoted to eating disorders. Information presented in this section includes recent and archived articles published in The Age outlining developments and perspectives on a variety of issues surrounding eating disorders and body image.
To view this page, please click here.
**EDV does no endorse or modify any content presented by The Age. Please contact the Eating Disorders Helpline on 1300 550 236 if you or somebody you know are experiencing difficulties with eating.
Wednesday 24th June, 2009
2009 Tax Time Donation Appeal
Eating Disorders Victoria is currently running a donation appeal leading up to the end of the financial year. The demand for EDV's essential support services continues to increase, and EDV relies greatly on the generosity of its supporters in the provision of such services.
EDV accepts donations online, over the phone or by fax. If you would like support EDV's campaign against eating disorders please click here, or phone 03 9885 6563.
All donations received by June 30, 2009 are tax deductible for the current financial year.
To make a donation online, please click here.
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Wednesday 17th June, 2009
EDV Speakers, Writers and Artists Bank
A new page on the EDV website has been launched, entitled Speakers, Writers and Artists Bank. This page features under the 'Recovery' tab and provides a space for people whose lives are affected by an eating disorder to showcase and share their creative expressions. The first submission is now on display by Melbourne artist Kim Howard.
To view the Speakers, Writers and Artists Bank, click here.
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Tuesday 16th June, 2009
Recovery Support Group in Geelong Launched in July
A new support group for people recovering from an eating disorder will be started in July in Geelong. The group has been organised by Nicole Riddle, an independent support group convenor who has received convenor training through Eating Disorders Victoria. This is the first recovery support group to take place in Geelong and is open to individuals 18 years or over at any stage of recovery from an eating disorder.
The first group will start on Monday 6th July, 2009 from 7pm to 8.30pm and will be held at the St Philips Day Centre. For more information about support groups in Victoria please click here, or call the Eating Disorders Helpline on 1300 550 236. Ongoing financial assistance for the group is generously being provided by One Care.
All email enquiries please direct to edrecoverygroup@hotmail.com
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Tuesday 16th June, 2009
New Book Reviews
Eating Disorders Victoria recently introduced a new section of their website entitled 'Book Reviews'. This week two additional book reviews have been added to the section. The first, reviewed by EDV Family Support Officer Helen Franks, is entitled Conquering Eating Disorders - How Family Communication Heals by Sue Cooper and Peggy Norton. The second, reviewed by EDV Recovery Support Officer Natalie Wild is entitled Purging by Nicole Johns.
To view these and other book reviews on the EDV website, click here.
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Tuesday 16th June, 2009
New Building Hope Workshops for 2009
Eating Disorders Victoria has announced the dates for four Building Hope workshops to be held in Moorabin, Greensborough, Bendigo and Malvern East over 2009.
The six week workshop programs, in collaboration with Deakin University, are for families and parents of a person with an eating disorder and are based on Professor Janet Treasure's highly successful motivational style of eating disorder treatment. Feedback on previous Building Hope workshops have been extremely positive.
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Wednesday 10th June, 2009
Building Hope Workshop in Bendigo in July
Eating Disorders Victoria, in collaboration with Deakin University, is offering a six week workshop program for families and parents of a person with an eating disorder. This is the second Building Hope workshop to be held this year, following a very strong response to the first program which sold out prior to commencement.
The Bendigo Building Hope workshop will commence on Saturday 25th July and run over six weeks. The workshop will be presented by Dr Ross King, Dr Genevieve Pepin and Helen Franks (EDV Family Support Officer).
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Tuesday 2nd June, 2009
EDV and Human Swine Flu (H1N1) Update
At this stage EDV is not aware of any suspected cases of human swine flu among our volunteers or group participants, and all support groups are running as normal. If you are a support group participant, we encourage you to continue attending your group as normal, unless you develop signs of a flu-like illness (fever, cough and fatigue). We will let all participants know, via our website or email, if any changes occur.
To ensure we are playing our own part in reducing the spread of human swine flu, EDV urges any volunteers, supporters and members who develop signs of a flu-like illness to please see your GP and do not attend further EDV support groups until you are free of these.
We are still able to offer telephone support from 9.30am to 5pm Mondays to Fridays for all people affected by eating disorders, and online support via our moderated Chat Room and Message Board. Visit related webpages for more information.
EDV receives regular updates from the Department of Human Services regarding human swine flu. To view the most recent information available, please click here.
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Tuesday 2nd June, 2009
Managing Anxiety in Eating Disorders with Knitting
A recent study of 38 women with anorexia nervosa found that 74% of participants reported knitting lessened the intensity of their fears and thoughts, and cleared their mind of eating disorder preoccupations. The study is based on the notion that recovery from anorexia is often confounded by intrusive, anxious preoccupations with control of eating, weight and shape which produce a potential barrier to psychological change.
While this data is only preliminary, the study suggests knitting has a positive effects for people with anorexia which may assist in managing food-related anxieties.
Reference: Eating and Weight Disorders. 2009 Mar;14(1):e6-10.
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Tuesday 2nd June, 2009
Obesity Consortium Launch
Recent statistics indicate 52% of women and 67% of males in Australia are overweight or obese. The University of Melbourne recently launched an Obesity Consortium to respond to the alarming prevalence of obesity in Australia.
Eating Disorders Victoria is a member organisation of the consortium and provides a specialist mental health perspective on the issue. EDV Education Officer Dr Naomi Crafti attended the launch of the Obesity Consortium on Wednesday 20th May. To read Dr Crafti's summary of the launch please click here, or for more information on the Consortium click here.
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MAY 2009
Tuesday 26th May, 2009
Eating Disorder First Aid Guidelines
A 5-page document outlining first aid guidelines for eating disorders has been released through the Orygen Youth Health Research Centre at the University of Melbourne. The guidelines were compiled by a panel of mental health experts from Australia, NZ, Canada, the UK and the USA, and include information on warning signs and risks of eating disorders; approaching and supporting someone with an eating disorder; and information on seeking emergency medical help.
To view the guidelines from the Mental Health First Aid website, please click here
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Thursday 21st May, 2009
National Conference on Anxiety and Depression: 27th & 28th May, 2009
This year's National Conference incorporated the theme 'Planting the Seed for Effective Change'. The program included several local and international speakers who specialise in a range of treatment approaches for adults, children and young people, providing an opportunity to explore stimulating and provocative new ideas.
Presented by Reconnexion in partnership with Beyond Blue, Swinburne University and the Victorian Government.
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Friday 1st May, 2009
Registrations Open for the 7th Annual ANZAED Conference
The Australian and New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders has opened registrations for its 2009 Annual Conference, entitled 'Broadening Horizons - Innovative Ways to Expand the Breadth and Reach of Eating Disorder Services'. The conference will be held in Brisbane, QLD on the 28th and 29th of August.
Keynote addresses will be offered by Professor Kathleen Pike (Japan) and Associate Professor Brett McDermott (Australia). The conference will cover the following topics:
- Consumer/carer initiatives
- Innovations in service delivery
- Innovations in treatment
- Innovations in research and evaluation
For more information on the 2009 ANZAED Conference, please click here.
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APRIL 2009
Tuesday 21st April, 2009
Preventing Obesity and Eating Disorders in Adolescents
The Journal of Adolescent Health (March 2009: Volume 44, Issue 3) has released an article describing five research-based recommendations for health care providers to help prevent both obesity and eating disorders among adolescents within clinical, school, or other settings.
The recommendations are based primarily upon findings from Project EAT, a large, population-based study of eating and weight-related issues in adolescents. Recommendations include the following:
1) Discourage unhealthy dieting; instead encourage and support the use of eating and physical activity behaviors that can be maintained on an ongoing basis;
2) Promote a positive body image;
3) Encourage more frequent, and more enjoyable, family meals;
4) Encourage families to talk less about weight and do more at home to facilitate healthy eating and physical activity; and
5) Assume that overweight teens have experienced weight mistreatment and address this issue with teens and their families.
These recommendations stress the importance of helping adolescents and their families focus less on weight and more on sustained behavioral change.
Reference: Journal of Adolescent Health. 2009 Mar;44(3):206-13.
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Tuesday 21st April, 2009
New Research on Eating Disorder Complications in Children
The Medical Journal of Australia has released a study which has found that potentially 'life threatening complications' are common in children affected by early-onset eating disorders (EOEDs).
The study revealed major limitations in current diagnostic criteria, possible missed diagnoses and a need for better education of health professionals.
To view the full article please click here.
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Tuesday 21st April, 2009
New Research on Eating Disorder Complications in Children
The Medical Journal of Australia has released a study which has found that potentially 'life threatening complications' are common in children affected by early-onset eating disorders (EOEDs).
The study revealed major limitations in current diagnostic criteria, possible missed diagnoses and a need for better education of health professionals.
To view the full article please click here.
Friday 17th April, 2009
Mental Health & Drugs Research Fellowship Grants
Four grants of up to $50 000 each have been made available to early and mid-career researchers working in the public mental health and drug and alcohol sectors. The grants are provided by the The Department of Human Services (DHS) Mental Health and Drug Research Fellowship Grants Program.
Applications close on the 15th May, 2009.
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Wednesday 15th April, 2009
New Additions to the EDV Library
EDV has received a generous response to the 'Library Wish List' appeal which was sent out with the last newsletter. Five books have been donated so far, including Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman [2 copies]; Compulsive Exercise and Eating Disorders by Alayne Yates; Learning To Be Me by Jocelyn Golden; and Hope, Help and Healing for Eating Disorders by Gregory Jantz. Thank you to all donors, including Nola Rushford and Leanne Pethick, for your generosity.
Access to the EDV specialist library is a benefit of membership. For more information, please click here.
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Tuesday 14th April, 2009
Mindful Eating - by Dr Naomi Crafti, EDV Education Officer
Mindfulness is about being present, being aware of your behaviour, thoughts and emotions. It is very easy to eat in a mindless way, preoccupied with other activities like watching television and reading the paper, thinking about things that have or will happen in the day and eating to fill a void or cover pain in your life. Practicing mindful eating can help you enjoy food, keep in touch with the body's signals of hunger and satiety and generally enhance your well being.
To continue reading, please click here.
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Friday 3rd April, 2009
Registrations closed for Building Hope Workshop
The Building Hope Workshop commenced on 7th April 2009 and will run over six weeks for families and parents of a person with an eating disorder. The program is based on research by Janet Treasure and aims to develop collaborative problem solving skills for parents, family members and partners to best support their loved one while enhancing their progress towards recovery.
In response to high demand, Eating Disorders Victoria will be holding Building Hope Workshops throughout the year. Details will be published on the website as soon as they become available.
To register your interest, please provide your name and contact details to Leigh Hanham and we will contact you with further details as soon as possible. To join the waiting list or register your interest in upcoming Building Hope Workshops, please call Leigh Hanham on 03 9885 6563 or email leigh.hanham@eatingdisorders.org.au.
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MARCH 2009
Tuesday 30th March, 2009
New Mandometer Clinic in Mornington
The Mandometer Clinic, based in Brighton, has opened a new clinic in Mornington. The clinic commenced operations on Monday 23rd March, 2009. The new clinic is located at: 883 Nepean Hwy, Mornington VIC 3931 For more information on the Mandometer treatment method and clinic locations, please visit www.mandometer.com.au
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