Eating disorders: Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and related syndromes - An overview of assessment and management

Eating disorders affect 2-3% of people and 90% of sufferers are women. Only a minority of sufferers present for treatment. Effective treatments are available and the outcome can be very good. General practitioners have an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders. Anorexia nervosa is preferably treated in a specialist centre with access to inpatient facilities. Bulimia nervosa and related eating disorders, such as binge eating disorder, respond to a number of psychotherapeutic approaches, particularly cognitive behaviour therapy. A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor may be effective in the short term.