Eating Disorders in Prisons

In this National Scientific Seminar Series presentation, Laurie Hopkins, Eating Disorders Coordinator and Clinical Nurse Consultant at NSW Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, explores eating disorders among people in custody.

Drawing on clinical practice, service development and emerging research, Laurie discusses how prison environments can contribute to the development, recurrence and worsening of eating disorder symptoms. The presentation examines barriers to identification and treatment, including highly regulated access to food and exercise, limited privacy, incomplete health information, frequent transfers between correctional centres and complex co-occurring conditions.

Laurie also discusses ARFID and sensory needs, compulsive exercise and muscularity, culturally safe care, workforce education, brief interventions and the role of correctional officers in early identification. The seminar concludes by highlighting emerging Australian research and priorities for improving eating disorder screening, treatment and continuity of care across custodial and community settings.