Eating disorders not tackled seriously by GP
Recent survey by a charity BEAT showed that people with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are not getting proper treatment and care from GP.
Researchers reached findings after analyzing data collected from 1,500 people with eating disorders. Survey also indicated that majority people feel that their GP can't understand their problem and don't know how to help them. Only 15% of patients believed that their GP understood their disorders. Report highlighted various cases of eating disorders badly treated by GP.
BEAT chief executive Susan Ringwood praised Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: "Despite these positive signs we are aware that people affected by eating disorders still aren't getting the treatment and support they need."
Professor Steve Field, chairman of the Royal College of GPs, said that many patients often went to their doctor several times before fully opening up about their problems.
He added: "But doctors do know what they are doing and the signs to look out for and patients should be reassured of this."
