Eating disorders

Eating disorders are common, affecting 5–10% of young people, with >50% having an illness that persists for >5 years. The bulimic forms of eating disorders now dominate, and new diagnostic categories have been introduced (avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, pica, rumination disorder). Genetic factors interacting with environmental stress (some shared with other psychiatric disorders, others relating to metabolism and eating) increase the risk. Self-management strategies, including a focus on social emotional functioning and behavioural change skills to manage fears and habits, are moderately effective.