Clinical nodes (issues) for the identification and treatment of developmental eating disorders. An invitation to discussion [Nodi clinici per l’identificazione e il trattamento dei disturbi alimentari in età evolutiva Un invito alla discussione]

Eating disorders (ED) in developmental age include several disorders with similarities and differencies in onset age and clinical features. During covid-19 outbreak the prevalence of ED have increased by 30% with a significant amount of associations with self-harm and suicidality. Psychological peculiarities of developmental age and the role of the family in onset and mantainance of these disorders are discussed in an historical perspective that starts from the attachment theories until to the most recent theorizations of mentalization, self-regulation and awareness of inner states. Finally the most recent psychosocial model of ED is discussed.