[The role of dietitians in the care of patients with eating disorder].

ABSTRACT

Dietitians play an important role in the care of patients with eating disorders. However, the precise conditions are not yet defined. This limits the clarity of the role of the dietitian within the dietetic profession as well as in a broader sense among the health care providers. In Hungary, there is no comprehensive guideline on it yet, so the aim of the present paper is to clarify the role, tasks, and competence boundaries of the dietitians. First, we provide guidance for the recognition of eating disorders by overviewing the symptoms, the diagnostic criteria, and the most important aspects of biopsychosocial assessment. Second, we take stock of the tasks of the dietitian, as a member of the therapeutic team in the treatment of eating disorders in outpatient and inpatient settings.