Thin line: managing care for adolescents with anorexia and bulimia

Abstract

Anorexia nervosa ranks third among common chronic disorders in adolescents, surpassed only by asthma and obesity. Unfortunately, recent changes in health care and insurance have resulted in fewer resources for these vulnerable clients Anorexia and bulimia are best managed by a treatment team, but frequently it is the nurse who manages much of the eating-disordered client's care, especially when there is no available team, or when the nurse is the primary care provider or therapist. Nurses can and do care for adolescents with anorexia and bulimia. All it takes is commitment, knowledge, and networking.