Call to help GPs spot eating disorders
A national charity that helps people with eating disorders and their families has today called for changes to be made to the way GPs consult with patients to help them spot those who have anorexia or bulimia.
Anorexia and Bulimia Care (ABC), formed in 1989, says that time-limiting doctors to 10 minutes or less per patient is costing lives and making it tougher for them to diagnose and help those with eating disorders.
Latest figures show that 2,290 a year are being admitted to hospitals with eating disorders every year but say many of these admissions could be prevented if doctors were better equipped to spot the warning signs earlier.
Anorexia and Bulimia Care launched its “Change for the Better” campaign as part of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, calling on GPs to take action and recognise the particular difficulties of dealing with people with eating disorders.
Robert Spooner, whose daughter Dr Melanie Spooner, a paediatrician and graduate of Cambridge University died from anorexia in 2011, is leading the campaign to raise awareness amongst doctors.
Mr Spooner said: “GPs need to be prepared in advance to deal with people with eating disorders. For someone with an eating disorder to voluntarily seek help is a huge step. Those who take appointments should make sure they book a double appointment for anyone who seeks a consultation for eating problems.
“We need to build greater understanding from GPs. They need to know where there is help available within the NHS and about charities such as Anorexia and Bulimia Care, who can help not just the sufferer but also their families, who are often confused and find coping with someone with an eating disorder difficult.
“A sufferer has often been pushed into visiting a doctor by a family member and may believe nothing is wrong. If a doctor doesn’t have time to explore the issue fully then they will simply find an excuse to not get help. Those with eating disorders often cover up the full extent of their illness.
“People with eating disorders have a mental illness. It is important that GPs know how to speak to someone with anorexia. We have heard of cases where people have been told they are not at a low enough weight to be referred for treatment or where a person with anorexia has been told they look good. Such comments can encourage them to continue with their destructive eating habits.”
As a result of ABC's Action Month in November where the Change for the Better campaign was launched in the House of Commons, Robert Spooner has joined ABC in a lobby of parliament this week with senior politicians including Liberal Democrat Tessa Munt MP for Wells, Somerset leading debates in Westminster on how changes can be made to help those with eating disorders.
Jane Smith, Director of ABC, said: “We need change now to improve the care and treatment for sufferers. The biggest number of hospital admissions last year were for 15-year-old girls but we receive helpline calls from all ages and from men and women as well as from parents and partners as eating disorders affect whole families. GPs need to be able to recognise an eating disorder, utilize tact and sensitivity when dealing with patients and carers, but also keep the patient medically monitored over time since these illnesses claim lives.”
More information on Eating Disorder Awareness Week and the work of ABC can be found at anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk.