[Eating disorders in primary care].

Early diagnosis and treatment are important for the prognosis in eating disorders and will also reduce the burden on the patient as well as n his or her family. On the other hand, community studies show that less than half of clinical cases of eating disorders are identified in primary care; hence, better skills among general practitioners in this field are very important. On the basis of the literature and clinical experience, this article discusses various problems related to identifying, evaluating and treating patients with eating disorders in primary care. The most important tool for the general practitioner is an understanding of the nature of the disorder, but tools for identification and treatment are also useful. Attending the patient and collaboration with hospitals and outpatient clinics could be a challenge. There are guidelines for the treatment of eating disorders in specialised health care, including indications for hospitalisation, but no guidelines for referral to outpatient treatment or for the coordination between the general practitioner and specialised units. The proposed British guidelines might serve as a basis for Norwegian guidelines.