Eating disorders

There is increasing demand for inpatient treatment of severe eating disorders, both in the UK and internationally. However, hospital treatment of severe eating disorders remains controversial, mainly because of poor long-term outcomes. This chapter provides a highly relevant and clinically focused review of the complex issues involved in inpatient care of people with severe eating disorders. The main guidelines and evidence base are critically reviewed from the point of view of a real-life clinical practice dealing with people with very low body mass indexes. Evidence, or lack of it, for a range of interventions is outlined, including artificial feeding and compulsory treatment. Practical issues regarding management of weight, physical morbidity, and psychological interventions are discussed.