Eating disorders

Abstract

Anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED) and eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS) are mental disorders that deeply and dangerously involve body functions. They usually require a multidisciplinary treatment within a program that includes psychiatrists, other physicians, psychologists, dieticians, social workers and nursing staff. Medical nutrition therapy and nutritional counseling play an essential role in the treatment of patients suffering from eating disorders (ED); the appropriate person to direct nutritional rehabilitation is a skilled dietician who offers education in nutritional facts, nutrients, eating habits, and body weight regulation. Dieticians involved in ED care must have counselor attitudes in order to establish an effective therapeutic alliance with the patient. Nutritional rehabilitation of patients with ED is based on weight and dietary history and analysis of eating behavior as well as laboratory tests and metabolic and anthropometric assessments.