Eating disorders are complex illnesses that often require expert interdisciplinary treatment, yet specialist care is limited. Many individuals with eating disorder symptoms can be successfully managed by non-specialist mental health providers, either as a precursor to specialist treatment or as a component of treatment the mental health clinician may already be providing.
Eating disorders are underdetected and undertreated, particularly as many individuals with these conditions do not have obvious signs or symptoms. Screening for these conditions is a challenge given the lack of specific strategies that fit the needs of primary care or community-based practice.