Eating disorders

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Eating disorders are responsible for the highest number of deaths from psychiatric illness. The Eating Disorders Association estimates that about 165,000 people in the UK have eating disorders with 10% dying as a result, but experts believe it could be higher.
Most sufferers are women, but one in 10 is now men. The most common eating disorders are anorexia, bulimia and compulsive over-eating.
Anorexia, which involves depriving the body of food, is more common in young people. Children as young as three have been treated for it. Bulimia, characterized by a cycle of starving and bingeing, is more likely in adults.
Treatments for anorexia range from group therapy, family counseling and psychotherapy to antidepressants such as amitriptyline ]. Treatment for bulimia includes the use of drugs such as antidepressants, counselling which examines the cause of bulimic behavior and behavioral modification, including education about healthy eating.