ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the need for integrative and collaborative care among medical and mental health professionals. In the United States, it is estimated that 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder or another specified feeding or eating disorder. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all mental health disorders, including those who commit suicide from depression, and it is estimated that 80 percent of people with eating disorders will recover, while the remaining 20 percent will remain chronic or die. While inpatient and emergency room treatment is, at times, necessary for some individuals who have an eating disorder to avert a medical crisis, suicide, or death, it is imperative that ongoing treatment is provided by an outpatient team. A nutritionist is necessary to address the unique nutritional needs of the patient.
