Description
Eating disorders in adolescence are relatively common and increasing in frequency. They are associated with significant psychological distress in the individual, deleterious effects on the families and wider social networks and increased physical morbidity in affected adolescents, with disadvantage being carried on into adult life. In addition, these disorders in general, and anorexia nervosa in particular, are recognised as being multifactorial and difficult to treat, with a significant mortality even when treated, often leading to a degree of apprehension in the clinician. This article looks at current practice and recent advances in the management of the main eating disorders presenting for psychiatric management in early adolescence.
