Pharmacy and Eating Disorders
Author
NEDC
PDF Available ?
Yes
A Pharmacist is often the first health professional that a person with an eating disorder will come in contact with. Given such, Pharmacists are in a key position to detect the presence of an eating disorder, encourage help seeking and assist patients with referrals.
Research shows that substance misuse is common among people with eating disorders. This may include the use of diet pills, laxatives or other medications in order to lose weight. Pharmacists can play a vital role in the detection of eating disorders by monitoring the use of prescription and non-prescription medications and products.
A Pharmacist’s role is not to treat an eating disorder, but to encourage the patient to seek treatment. Creating a safe and comfortable environment for the patient is important in prompting disclosure and discussing next steps with them.
This resource includes key information on the signs and symptoms of eating disorders, medication misuse, drug interactions and patient referral
