Atypical early-onset eating disorders

Abstract

SummaryThis article reviews the recent changes to the DSM diagnostic classification of feeding and eating disorders with particular reference to children and adolescents. The common clinical presentations of the ‘atypical’ feeding and eating problems of middle childhood and early adolescence are reviewed using clinical case vignettes, and the limited evidence base regarding management is summarised. There are many gaps in the evidence base and this is likely to be an area of rapid development for the field subsequent on the new terminology outlined in DSM-5.Learning Objectives•Be able to describe the recent changes in terminology of DSM-5 for eating disorders in children and adolescents.•Be able to provide information to young people and parents on the short- and long-term medical consequences of low weight in children.•Be able to assess risk in children presenting with atypical eating disorders.