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

Managing physical risk in anorexia nervosa

Eating disorders encompass physical, psychological and social pathologies that increase health risk. Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality of any psychiatric disorder, but patients are not always managed by specialist eating disorders services and the duty of care sometimes falls to the general psychiatrist. This article is an aide-memoire for assessing and managing physical risk in patients with anorexia nervosa.

Knowledge and attitudes of psychiatrists towards eating disorders

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the eating disorder mental health literacy of psychiatrists.

METHOD

A sample of psychiatrists completed a questionnaire measuring knowledge of and attitudes towards eating disorders. Knowledge questions were based on the academic literature, standard diagnostic criteria and national guidelines on the management of eating disorders. Attitude items covered beliefs about the aetiology and treatment of eating disorders, confidence levels in diagnosis and management and the use of compulsory measures in anorexia nervosa.

RESULTS

Psychiatrists’ knowledge of eating disorders was variable with specific gaps in both diagnosis and management. Psychiatrists felt more confident in diagnosing eating disorders than managing these conditions. Attitudes towards eating disorders were less stigmatizing than those seen in other health professionals.

DISCUSSION

There is a clear need for greater education of psychiatrists regarding the diagnosis and management of eating disorders. Implementing training programmes and making information readily available could contribute to addressing these issues.