Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
Health service utilization for eating disorders: findings from a community-based study
Jonathan M Mond1, Phillipa J Hay, Bryan Rodgers
1School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University, Bundoore VIC 3083, Australia. j.mond@latrobe.edu.au
Background:
Prior use of health services was examined in a community sample of women with bulimic-type eating disorders.
Method:
Participants (n = 159) completed a structured interview for the assessment of eating disorder psychopathology as well as questions concerning treatment-seeking and type of treatment received.
Results:
Whereas a minority (40.3%) of participants had received treatment for an eating problem, most had received treatment for a general mental health problem (74.2%) and/or weight loss (72.8%), and all had used one or more self-help treatments. Where treatment was received for an eating or general mental health problem, this was from a primary care practitioner in the vast majority of cases. Only half of those participants who reported marked impairment associated with an eating problem had ever received treatment for such a problem and less than one in five had received such treatment from a mental health professional.
Conclusion:
Women with bulimic-type eating disorders rarely receive treatment for an eating problem, but frequently receive treatment for a general mental health problem and/or for weight loss. The findings underscore the importance of programs designed to improve the detection and management of eating disorders in primary care.
Related Concept Videos
Binge Eating Disorders
Bulimia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
Self-Schemas

