Quickbite: Severe and enduring eating disorders

Eating disorders can often take on a chronic course, and the chance of recovery or significant improvement diminishes when the illness becomes more protracted.

The term 'severe and enduring eating disorders' (SEED) refers to long-term illness from anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, with severe symptoms, a low chance of recovery and a history of treatment resistance.

The needs of individuals with SEED are particularly complex, and they may require a treatment approach that is different from standard eating disorder management strategies.

In this Quickbite module we expand on previous CPD Online modules on eating disorders, with a specific focus on SEED. We discuss treatment approaches, risk assessment and monitoring, and consider factors such as physical complications (e.g. osteoporosis and renal failure), sense of identity, social isolation and stigma. We also look at the impact on family and carers, and at some of the challenges clinicians face when treating patients with SEED.