Assessment of Eating Disorders course for GPs

This session covers the stages of the assessment of eating disorders, taking into account diagnostic criteria, nutritional status and the role of the family.

Learning Objectives

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

• Assess and diagnose common eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder) in young people
• Recognise the signs and symptoms of eating disorders and acute malnutrition
• Recognise the impact of dietary restriction on growth and development in children and adolescents
• Understand the limitations of the various methods for assessment

The assessment of eating disorders is not just about making a diagnosis and formulation – it is the first contact with a patient group usually reluctant to seek help, and should be thought of as an opportunity to engage a young person and their family in getting help. Assessment is therefore an intervention in its own right.