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Posted on 1 Mar 2021

Raising Awareness, Challenging Misinformation, Improving Lives

Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses affecting people of all ages, genders, ethnicities and backgrounds. They develop for a variety of reasons, and you might not be aware but there are currently eight different types of eating disorders that are recognised as illnesses that can be diagnosed. We will be sharing a variety of information throughout the week but you can learn more about eating disorders here: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/types

Sometimes eating disorders start with dieting or an aim to lose weight. Other people find ways in which their eating behaviour can help them to cope with difficult situations or feelings. This behaviour can include limiting the amount of food eaten, eating very large quantities of food at once, getting rid of food eaten through unhealthy means (e.g. making themselves sick, misusing laxatives, fasting, or excessive exercise), or a combination of these behaviours. In some eating disorders, such as Avoidant or Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), the disorder is not to do with body or weight concerns but is about the avoidance of certain types of food.

Whatever the eating disorder, early intervention is crucial in giving people the best possible chance at recovery. This is why events such as Eating Disorders Awareness Week are so important.

Services in the Trust

We have a CAMHS eating disorder service, which assesses and provides treatment for children and young people up to 18 years old with a significant eating disorder. You can be referred to this service by a healthcare or educational professional. Parents/carers and young people can also self-refer for CAMHS support using our online form or by calling 0115 854 2299.https://www.nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/camhs-eating-disorder-team

We also have eating disorder team who offer services to any adult (18 years or over) who experiences difficulties with anorexia and/or bulimia. Referrals can be made to our team via your GP. You can see our webpage at . https://www.nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/eating-disorder-team

This year we have also launched our FREED (First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders) service, which is an early intervention service for young adults, aged 18-25 years-old with a first onset of an eating disorder. You can read more about it here: https://www.nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/latest-news/trust-launches-new-early-intervention-eating-disorders-service-in-nottinghamshire-3907

There are also several reliable sources of information and support out there. These include:

BEAT: www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk – with plenty of information on eating disorders and options for online support.

FREED: www.freedfromed.co.uk – specifically tailored for 16-25 years olds.

Anorexia and Bulimia Care: www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk – with a telephone helpline and email support.

Remember, we know the sooner someone gets the treatment they need, the more likely they are to make a full and fast recovery. Our services are here to help.