Are eating disorder patients in secure hospitals getting a fair deal? A survey of the prevalence and nature of the problem

While eating disorder symptomatology may be part of a broader picture of challenging behaviour for women admitted to secure care, little is known of the nature and incidence of such conditions. A survey of 131 women admitted to a secure psychiatric facility found 25 to have a recognized eating disorder, most with a diagnosis of eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS) or binge eating disorder. However, few staff had experience of working with such patients and most expressed a need for training and support with such cases. The clinical and training implications of these findings are discussed.