Important points in the history

The following points should be covered when taking a history from a patient with suspected eating disorder:

• current weight expressed as the body mass index
• eating and weight history
• methods used by the patient to control weight
• presence of bingeing
• other psychiatric illnesses
• mental state examination
• menstrual history
• general medical history
• medication history

Reference:

• 1) Winston, AP, Palmer, RL. (2000). Eating disorders. Medicine International; 28(4): 41-5.