The term "eating disorder" covers conditions such as:
- anorexia nervosa
- bulimia nervosa
- binge eating
These mental health disorders usually develop over time, sometimes over years, and often at a point when life brings fear and insecurity.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued guidance to the NHS about eating disorders. Although the guidance is mainly intended for people with eating disorders, it may also be useful for family members and those who care for people with eating disorders.
The guidance aims to improve the care and treatment provided in the health service and looks at different areas of diagnosis, treatment, care and self-help. The guidance includes:
- advice for carers of someone with an eating disorder
- what you can expect from the NHS if you have an eating disorder
It also includes information about the support and treatment you can receive if you have:
- anorexia nervosa
- bulimia nervosa
- another type of eating disorder, including binge eating disorder
For further information, you can download the NICE guidelines on eating disorders.
