Eating disorders are responsible for the highest number of deaths from psychiatric illness. The Eating Disorders Association estimates that about 165,000 people in the UK have eating disorders with 10% dying as a result, but experts believe it could be higher.

Most sufferers are women, but one in 10 is now men. The most common eating disorders are anorexia, bulimia and compulsive over-eating.

Anorexia, which involves depriving the body of food, is more common in young people. Children as young as three have been treated for it. Bulimia, characterized by a cycle of starving and bingeing, is more likely in adults.

Treatments for anorexia range from group therapy, family counseling and psychotherapy to antidepressants such as amitriptyline. Treatment for bulimia includes the use of drugs such as antidepressants, counselling which examines the cause of bulimic behavior and behavioral modification, including education about healthy eating.

I didn't realize they used drugs to help treat bulimia and anorexia.