Accessing Eating Disorder Services in the UK

Sadly, the quality and experience of ED services across the UK depend entirely on which area you live in. I'm in the process of writing up more detailed information on things like NHS trusts and CCGs, but for now you'll unfortunately have to do that investigation yourself.

A large percentage of people who access ED services will do so via their GP, be it of their own volition or dragged along by a concerned parent. The GP will do a brief assessment and likely refer you to a specialist eating disorder service. If you are a minor, you will likely be referred to CAMHS - this is the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

At your first appointment, there will be more assessments. Again, this is very  dependent on the process that your trust follow. The likely assessments you'll have to complete are (some, or all of):

• EDE-Q
• EAT-26 or EAT-40
• SCOFF questionnaire
• SUSS test (Stand-up, Sit Down, Squat)
• Full blood count
• ECG
• Bone density scans

You'll also likely be asked to provide a brief personal history.

Based on this information, the assessor will consult with their team and establish an official diagnosis for your eating disorder. This will fit in to one of the following categories:

• Anorexia Nervosa
• Atypical Anorexia Nervosa
• Bulimia Nervosa
• Atypical Bulimia Nervosa
• Binge Eating Disorder
• EDNOS
• OSFED

From here, you will be provided with a Care Plan, which will be bespoke based on the results of your assessments and diagnosis.

Care Plans can include the some or all of the following:

• Therapy
• Nutritional education
• Medical stabilisation
• Inpatient treatment
• Outpatient treatment
• Day patient treatment