In this episode, we break down how to take a safe, structured history from a patient with a suspected eating disorder.

This is a high-yield OSCE station and a clinically important skill — anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality of any psychiatric illness, often due to cardiac complications, electrolyte disturbances and suicide.

We cover:

• How to sensitively approach eating disorder histories
• Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder
• Weight history and body image assessment
• Restriction, bingeing and compensatory behaviours
• Physical symptoms and red flags
• Suicide and risk assessment
• The SCOFF mnemonic
• When admission is required
• Baseline investigations
• Refeeding syndrome explained clearly

This episode focuses on safe clinical practice, structured assessment and recognising when a patient requires urgent medical admission.

Ideal for:

• Medical students

• OSCE preparation

• Psychiatry placements

• GP and emergency medicine rotations

• Foundation doctors

If this topic is sensitive for you, please seek appropriate support.