Bulimia nervosa mental health literacy of general practitioners

Health service utilization for eating disorders: Findings from a community‐based study

“…44 It is important to note that these and other aspects of eating disorders mental health literacy may be evident not only among individuals affected, but among primary care practitioners and other treatment providers. 32,45,46 Discrepancies between the beliefs and attitudes of individuals with eating disorders and those of treatment providers may also need to be addressed. For example, general practitioners are far more likely than members of the public to support the use of psychiatrists, and of antidepressant medication, and far less likely to support the use of ''lifestyle'' interventions, in the treatment of BN.…”

“…For example, general practitioners are far more likely than members of the public to support the use of psychiatrists, and of antidepressant medication, and far less likely to support the use of ''lifestyle'' interventions, in the treatment of BN. 45 Interventions designed to improve the detection and management of eating disorders in primary care may be of minimal benefit if individuals affected are sceptical of the benefits of ''evidence-based'' treatment. Hence, efforts to encourage the use of evidence-based treatments for BN and related disorders will need to be complemented by a more consumer-oriented approach, in which health professionals are encouraged to recognize individuals' belief systems and their potential effects on treatment-seeking and adherence to treatment.…”

“…In contrast, 45.8% of individuals with a diagnosis of purging BN (n ¼ 48) had received treatment for an eating problem. These findings may reflect higher levels of distress and functional impairment, and in turn a greater likelihood of referral, associated with the purging form of BN.…”

To what Extent do the Public Need Educating about Eating Disorders?

“…Experienced participants tended to report possessing greater education around EDs than inexperienced participants who endorsed a lack of education. The lack of education was also highlighted through experienced participants' accounts of GP appointments, who reportedly misunderstood the seriousness of EDs, mirroring previous research involving GPs [17,40]. These findings, alongside comments from both participant groups relating to poor education around EDs across the general population, support the need for public education programmes for EDs.…”

“…However, evidence highlights greater stigma is directed towards EDs compared to other mental health difficulties including depression [11] and the public report being less willing to provide social support to people with EDs than other those with other mental health conditions [16]. Poor education around EDs is not limited to the general public and has also been reported amongst health professionals, who may share similar misinformed negative attitudes [17] and highlight their own education gaps [18].…”