## Overview
Dr Marion Roberts discusses how bulimia nervosa is recognized and managed in primary care, focusing on collaboration between medical and psychological treatment, referral pathways, and early intervention.
## Role of the GP
Primary care clinicians are presented as central figures in the identification and ongoing management of bulimia nervosa.
They work in partnership with mental health professionals, balancing medical monitoring with access to effective psychological therapies.
## Treatment principles
Roberts emphasizes that effective care combines medical management with structured psychological therapy rather than relying on one approach alone.
Cognitive‑behavioural methods and other evidence‑based psychological treatments are highlighted as core elements of care for bulimia nervosa.
## Referral pathways
The discussion covers how GPs decide when to refer patients on to secondary and tertiary eating‑disorder services and how urgently this should occur.
Referral decisions are linked to the severity of symptoms, risk level, and the need for more intensive or specialized input.
## Younger patients and families
For adolescents and young people living with their parents, behavioral and family‑focused approaches are described as first‑line options.
Family‑based treatment is mentioned as a model with strong empirical support in young people with anorexia nervosa that can be adapted for bulimia nervosa.
## Early intervention and prognosis
Roberts stresses that earlier assessment and intervention are associated with a better prognosis in bulimia nervosa.
GPs are encouraged to be proactive in both assessment and referral to ensure problems are addressed before they become more entrenched.
## Support services
The video references a New Zealand support organization, EDAN (the Eating Disorders Association of New Zealand), as a helpful resource for patients and their families.
Clinicians are encouraged to direct people to such services for additional information, guidance, and peer or family support.
## Key message for clinicians
The central message to primary care practitioners is to take an active, collaborative role: assess early, involve appropriate psychological treatments, and use clear referral pathways and support services.
This approach is framed as improving outcomes and offering more hopeful prospects for people living with bulimia nervosa.
> “Earlier the intervention, the better the prognosis.”
### Author’s summary
The talk underscores that proactive, collaborative primary care—combining medical monitoring, evidence‑based therapy, timely referral, and family and support‑service involvement—can markedly improve outcomes in bulimia nervosa.
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YouTube — 2025-12-01