Eating disorders: clinical features and the role of the general psychiatrist

Abstract

SummaryAlthough most patients with severe eating disorders are treated in specialist eating disorder services, general psychiatrists are often responsible for the care of many with mild to moderate disorder. Treating and supporting these patients in a non-specialist setting can sometimes be challenging but this need not be the case. Having a clear understanding of the clinical features of these conditions forms the foundation on which a comprehensive assessment and management plan can be made. We summarise the clinical features of eating disorders and explore the unique role of the general psychiatrist in identifying people with these conditions, supporting them and directing them into evidence-based treatments.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Psychiatrists Towards Eating Disorders

“…In the pages of this journal Rosenvinge, Skårderud, and Thune‐Larsen () described an educational programme which raised non‐specialist health professionals' competence in treating eating disorders, and the implementation of such programmes could contribute to addressing these issues, improving treatment outcomes and increasing service users' satisfaction with treatment. Furthermore, information should be made readily available to general psychiatrists when eating disorders present in non‐specialist settings (Jones, Schelhase, & Morgan, ; Royal College of Psychiatrists, ; http://www.leedsmentalhealth.nhs.uk/our_services/yced). One must also consider the option of applying a different strategy of service provision in the form of either increased specialist eating disorder input in non‐specialist settings or adopting an early intervention model (McGorry, ; Treasure & Russell, ) ensuring earlier and more sustained interventions within a framework of care more suited to the needs of patients with eating disorders.…”

The effect of Korean wave on body image and eating disorders among female adolescents in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

“…hypertiroidisme, diabetes mellitus, and other chronic infections) and psychiatric disorders (e.a. depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia) [18].…”