Eating disorders

The classic eating disorders of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are relatively common and significant disturbances that require carefully coordinated and comprehensive intervention.

The primary care physician has an important role to play in both the initial screening for patients afflicted with these debilitating, and sometimes life-threatening, disorders, and in the consequent treatment and monitoring of the patient. "Fast Facts: Eating Disorders" describes the classic signs and symptoms, together with the course and prognosis of each condition.

The authors examine the medical and social complications that can arise when dealing with these patients, and summarize both the pharmacological and behavioral treatments that are available.