Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Eating disorders are an important cause of physical and psychosocial morbidity in adolescent girls and young adult women. They are much less frequent in men. Eating disorders are divided into three diagnostic categories: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and the atypical eating disorders. However, the disorders have many features in common and patients frequently move between them, so for the purposes of this Seminar we have adopted a transdiagnostic perspective. The cause of eating disorders is complex and badly understood. There is a genetic predisposition, and certain specific environmental risk factors have been implicated. Research into treatment has focused on bulimia nervosa, and evidence-based management of this disorder is possible. A specific form of cognitive behaviour therapy is the most effective treatment, although few patients seem to receive it in practice. Treatment of anorexia nervosa and atypical eating disorders has received remarkably little research attention.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/S0140-6736(03)12378-1

Type

Journal article

Journal

Lancet

Publication Date

01/02/2003

Volume

361

Pages

407 - 416

Keywords

Anorexia Nervosa, Antidepressive Agents, Antipsychotic Agents, Bulimia, Evidence-Based Medicine, Family, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, Health Priorities, Humans, Needs Assessment, Psychotherapy, Recurrence, Research, Risk Factors, Self Concept, Self-Help Groups, Treatment Outcome