Treating Individuals With Eating Disorders: Part 1.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, eating disorders (EDs) are characterized by a persistent disturbance of eating or eating-related behaviors that result in altered consumption or absorption of food and that significantly impair physical health and/or psychosocial functioning. EDs are chronic psychiatric illnesses and are notoriously difficult to treat. The etiology of eating disorders is unknown and thought to be a complex interplay among biological predisposition, environmental and sociocultural factors, neurobiological influences, and psychological factors. Moreover, prevalence of eating disorders is increasing despite variation in prevalence estimates across studies. Nurses are well-positioned to implement appropriate screening for and comprehensive assessment of EDs as well as offer patient-centered treatment options including referrals when indicated. As the first in a two-part series, this article provides an overview of the clinical characteristics of EDs and key areas for assessment and diagnostic considerations. The follow-up article in this series will focus on pharmacological treatment strategies. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 58(3), 7-13.].

Treating Individuals With Eating Disorders: Part 2.

Health care providers often need additional training to understand the recommended treatment for eating disorders (EDs). Treatment varies by diagnosis and particularly for vulnerable populations (e.g., adolescents, pregnant women). EDs have life-threatening consequences and require timely interventions. Treatment tends to focus on decreasing disordered eating behaviors, psychological suffering, and nutritional deficits associated with EDs while simultaneously promoting whole health. An overview of EDs was presented in the first article of this two-part series about treating EDs. The current article discusses pharmacological and nonpharmacological evidence-based treatments for EDs. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 58(4), 9-15.].