Identification and Management of Binge-Eating Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa in Primary Care Settings: A Qualitative Systematic Review of Healthcare Professionals' and Patients' Perceptions.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To understand how the identification and management of binge-eating disorder (BED) and bulimia nervosa (BN) in primary care settings are perceived by both patients and healthcare professionals, and how rates of identification and referral for support may be improved.

Methods

A systematic review of qualitative studies was conducted. Eight databases were searched in August 2025. Studies were excluded if they focused on secondary or tertiary care, patients under the age of 16, or anorexia nervosa. Data on sample, type of eating disorder, year of publication, and country were extracted, and thematic synthesis was used to synthesize the data. The quality of studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for qualitative research.

Results<

SUBMITTER: Kozmer S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12773673 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature