Eating Disorders in Young People course for GPs

This session gives an overview of the nature, aetiology and risk factors linked to eating disorders. Also covered are the diagnostic elements that allow us to distinguish between eating disorders and other conditions affecting the eating behaviour of young people.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Distinguish between eating disorders and other kinds of eating difficulties
• Discuss the characteristics of common eating disorders
• List risk factors and aetiological issues for eating disorders

This session will describe the range and causes of eating problems seen in adolescents, from normal eating through to life threatening illness.

Understanding the psychological differences between types of eating problems is the starting point for knowing how to address them. The nature of the most common eating disorders will be described in detail.

The causes of eating disorders are complex and no single factor is enough to account for them.