Eating disorders and disordered eating exist along a spectrum. When considered together, Eating disorders and disordered eating are estimated to affect over 16% of the Australian population. The lifetime prevalence of eating disorders in women is about 8.5% and 2.2% for men and prevalence has been increasing over time. Co-morbidities are common and importantly the mortality rate for people with eating disorders is significantly higher than that of the average population and among the highest for a psychiatric illness.
So what is the role of primary care clinicians when it comes to identification, assessment and management of Eating disorders and disordered eating? How can we implement a best practice approach to care along the spectrum of disorders and severity and how can we best work with available resources to achieve good outcomes over time.
Eating disorders in teens- how can the GP help?
In this episode, GP Bianca Forrester speaks with Paediatrician Michele Yeo and and GP expert in eating disorders Jenny Conway
Shownotes:
1)Eating disorders Queensland resource “Understanding eating disorders”
2) NEDC website
3) Jenny mentions Mental Health screening tools
K10- https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/k10.pdf
For for more information about identifying eating disorders in primary care:
4)Eating Disorders examination- Questionnaire
5) Self-help guides
6) Maudesley model from the UK
Evidence based treatment:
7)Australian psychological society- therapist finder
APS website:
