Diagnosis of eating disorders

The first step in diagnosing an eating disorder is acknowledgment by the individual that they have issues with food and may be suffering a problem with their eating behaviour, however low level this may appear to be. Sometimes family or friends will intervene and persuade the person concerned to see a doctor.

The GP and specialist consultants hold the key to the diagnosis of an eating disorder. They will examine the patient's medical history, ask questions about their attitudes and behaviour towards food, and perform physical health checks. They will often refer to a list of diagnostic criteria to aid them with their diagnosis, usually a SCOFF questionnaire.  Once they have made a diagnosis they may refer you on to specialist eating disorder treatment providers, such as the Priory.

Many remain undiagnosed

That said, many cases of eating disorders are never diagnosed. Patients are often in denial of their symptoms, or they are too embarrassed or ashamed to come forward. Some doctors are unfamiliar with eating disorders and will fail to recognise the symptoms (especially if the patient tries to hide them) and therefore fail to make an appropriate diagnosis.

The health consequences of an ongoing eating disorder can be severe and sometimes fatal. The sooner an eating disorder diagnosis is made, the sooner treatment can be arranged and the greater the chances of a successful recovery.