Eating Disorders

Eating disorders (EDs) are a class of mental health disorders that often begin in adolescence and persist into adulthood. Adolescents and young adults whose ED remains active as they transition from pediatric-based to adult-based care are vulnerable to disruptions in care, and ED behaviors may worsen during periods of stress such as is experienced with the multiple dimensions of transitioning into adulthood, including finding a new adult provider. A thorough clinical assessment is necessary to identify these maladaptive behaviors and their medical/psychological complications. An interdisciplinary team of clinicians including medical providers, dietitians, and mental health providers is key to providing comprehensive care for patients with EDs. Treatment includes attention to medical comorbidities, nutritional intake, energy expenditure, and improving body image cognitions or other related thinking patterns that may impede recovery or management. These components coupled with the physician’s assessment and patient motivation influence the level of care recommended for each patient.