[Eating disorders--an overview].

This article gives an updated review of the history, epidemiology, etiology, and evidence-based treatment of eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder), with specific reference to the Norwegian situation. In order to improve clinical skills there is an emphasis on the need for more treatment resources, particularly for the most serious cases, better implementation of evidence-based treatment and on continuous medical education. Given the somatic manifestations of eating disorders, medical doctors are essential in assessment and treatment. Many patients can be successfully treated by general practitioners provided that the general practitioner takes an interest in and is knowledgeable about eating disorders. The need to increase the number of general practitioners participating in ongoing Norwegian educational programmes on eating disorders is stressed.