Description
As masked and overlap forms better recognised gastroenterologists are increasingly likely to see the physical and metabolic consequences of the eating disorders. Purer forms of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating will also be encountered. A high index of suspicion is appropriate prior to the application of the internationally agreed diagnostic criteria. A stepped approach to care including psychiatric and medical/nutritional measures is appropriate. The hazards of refeeding should also be
anticipated and thereby ameliorated. These conditions continue to evoke a six-fold excess mortality (more than 15% at 20 years) with only one third doing well on long term follow-up.
