Govt accused of ignoring increase in eating disorders
07/05/2006 - 12:00:29Psychiatrists in Ireland have accused the Government of ignoring the growing problem of eating disorders.
International figures show that on average, between one and two per cent of the population are usually affected by anorexia, while up to six per cent suffer from bulimia.
Psychiatrists have demanded that the Government compile statistics on eating disorders here, as no figures exist for Ireland and therapists have reported a rapid increase in the number of pre-teenagers and males developing anorexia or bulimia.
The Department of Health and Education has also been urged to develop a prevention programme for primary school children.
Addiction counsellors say eating disorders are often invisible even to family members and parents desperately need information and advice.
