Child Molesters, Child Abuse Effects: Bulimia, Eating Disorders, Addictions

"Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric condition as evidenced by the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy report, Speaking Your Mind.

"We must remember that eating disorders are not self-inflicted. They are complex disorders that have no one cause or cure. Addressing the problem involves coordinated efforts from school education programmes and public awareness and health promotion activities to professional training for health professionals and access to service provision at community, primary and inpatient level.

"Some 1% to 2% of young females are affected by anorexia while 3% to 5% are affected by bulimia. It is estimated that 10% of new eating disorder cases are male. A recent community survey indicated an increase in the number of people engaging in inappropriate weight management behaviours such as laxative abuse and forced vomiting. These dangerous behaviours can lead to the development eating disorders. People with eating disorders can and do recover, 60% make a full recovery, but early intervention absolutely key.

"The Minister must immediately introduce training on the management of eating disorders in each of the former Health Board Areas. A dedicated service should be delivered through outpatient and where necessary, in-patient care. There is a need for one member of personnel in each health board area, who will have a special interest post in psychiatry dealing with eating disorders.

"There is a need for greater self-esteem building work and development of coping skills within the educational system. Campaigns promoting a proper diet and healthy eating need to be examined, and care must be taken that important messages relating specifically to eating disorders do not get lost in the midst of more recent discussions on obesity."