Recognition and management of eating disorders in children and young people

Eating disorders form a group of mental health conditions characterised by abnormal eating habits and are associated with high mortality rates. This article provides nurses working in various settings with evidence-based strategies to identify, manage and refer children and young people with eating disorders. It explores what eating disorders are, and their association with physical and psychiatric co-morbidities. Eating disorders have a significant effect on children and young people's health and development, and nurses have a vital role in managing them. This article presents a case study that illustrates some of the challenges nurses may experience when managing children and young people with eating disorders.