NEEDS Scotland and SEDIG led the campaign for better resources e.g. training, to encourage early recognition of these devastating addictive/compulsive illnesses which affect the whole family as well as the person who has the eating disorder e.g. anorexia nervosa or bulimia.

Early recognition may mean the difference between life and death, especially in anorexia, recovery or a long term illness with relapse over many years.

After a three-year campaign, the Scottish Executive Health Committee held a major enquiry including both written evidence and live presentations to the Committee from both professional and family carers.  In March 2005 the SE Health Committee published its strong recommendations to help address the treatment situation in eating disorders across Scotland – at best patchy and under-resourced, with committed professionals struggling to provide adequate care; at worst non-existent.

Since then the situation has greatly improved … though some areas are much farther ahead than others.

For more information see also www.scottish.parliament.uk