Eating disorder patients. Recognition and intervention.

The prevalence of eating disorders is increasing, as are the chances that one or more of your patients may be suffering from anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or a combination of these disorders (bulimarexia). Although the dental profession has focused attention on the related oral and dental pathoses that occur in this population, limited information is available in the area of intervention. Recognition of these individuals is only the first step. Should a patient be suspected of having any of these disorders, intervention is the next step, to actually link the patient to medical help. This paper reviews pertinent behavioral characteristics, medical complications, and the oral, dental, and physical manifestations of these disorders in order to aid the dental hygienist in the recognition of eating disorder patients. Guidelines for conducting interventions are provided and sources for referral identified.