Participants

• Dr Aoife O'Sullivan - Clinical Lead in Mental Health, Irish College of GPs

• Dr John Maher - Host

Summary

In this first episode in a two-part series, Dr John Maher is joined by Dr. Aoife O'Sullivan to discuss Eating Disorders in General Practice. Our conversation follows the recent launch of The Irish College of GPs “Eating Disorders: General Practice Update” published in December 2025 and available from this link on the College website.

This first part covers topics including:

· The emergence and influence of online communities on potentially normalising abnormal behaviours with reference to eating disorders, and more broadly;

· An approach to patients who self-present with eating disorders

· Tips on picking up clues in the consultation that might lead to undertaking an eating disorder screen;

· Morbidity and mortality data;

· the importance of early intervention;

· the importance of recognising the negative internal voice (the anorexia voice or “Ana” voice) that patients with an eating disorder can experience, and the inner conflict it can create.

Part 2 of this conversation is also available now in the show feed of your podcast player.

Links
Irish College of GPs Website
Eating Disorders: General Practice Update (Irish College of GPs, December 2025)
National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders Model of Care
Bodywhys.ie - HSE NCPED Eating Disorders App (Apple/iOS)

Bodywhys.ie – Free PiLaR Programme for Families

Irish Emergency Department Guidelines on Eating Disorders

Specialised Eating Disorder Teams

Eating Disorders Contact Teams

SCOFF Questionnaire – MDCalc.com
Overcoming Binge Eating, Dr Christopher G Fairburn

See page 7 of the Eating Disorders GPU for numerous additional resources

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Webpage: https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/The-GP-Podcast
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