Feeding and Eating Disorders: the role of communication

Feeding and eating disorders (FEDs) are a widespread disease in Italy and the rest of the world, but they are still not given the importance they deserve in terms of communication. The role of communication should be to inform people about feeding and eating disorders, what they are and how different they are, and the importance of acting promptly and seeking help as soon as the first signs are seen. However, only 85% of the population surveyed through a questionnaire claimed to know what FEDs are: a fact that underlines the need for more widespread information, given the high mortality rate of these illnesses. Of these people, 94% firmly believed that communication about feeding and eating disorders should be improved. Feeding and eating disorders need to be introduced as early as primary school, as the age of onset is becoming earlier, and it is essential that communication is carried out by specialists with the appropriate skills and studies. The pillars of change include comprehensive communication that takes into account the broad spectrum of FEDs. The aim of this dissertation is therefore to investigate the critical points of feeding and eating disorder communication and to propose solutions for an effective and concise communication.