Eating Disorders

Risk Factors

• Female

• Family history

• Body dissatisfaction

• Negative self-evaluation

• Idealisation of thinness

• Dieting

• Perfectionism or high personal standards

• History of trauma or abuse

• Peer pressure or societal influences promoting thinness

• Sports or activities emphasizing leanness (e.g., ballet, gymnastics)

• Comorbid psychiatric conditions (depression, anxiety, OCD) 

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Diagnostic Questions

SCOFF Questionnaire

• Sick: Do you make yourself sick because you feel uncomfortably full?

• Control: Do you worry you have lost control over how much you eat?

• One stone: Have you lost >6 kg in 3 months?

• Fat: Do you believe you are fat despite others saying you are thin?

• Food: Does food dominate your life?Interpretation: Score ≥2 → likely eating disorder, needs further evaluation

Additional Questions

• Does your weight affect how you feel about yourself?

• Do you feel guilty after eating?

• Do you compare your body to others?

• Any mood or anxiety changes related to eating?

• Any eating rituals (e.g., cutting food into small pieces)?

• Physical symptoms (dizziness, fatigue)?

• Do you avoid certain foods/food groups? Why?

Notes:

• Screen for comorbid mental health issues (depression, anxiety, substance abuse)

• Assess the impact of eating behaviours on daily life (e.g., school, work)

• Consider cultural and societal influences on body image and eating patterns

• Evaluate for physical complications: malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, cardiac issues

• Use a multidisciplinary approach (mental health, dietitians, medical team)

• Early intervention: Improves prognosis, reduces long-term complications

• Approach: Non-judgmental, supportive conversations about body image and eating

• Follow-up: Regular reviews to monitor progress and adjust treatment