Eating Disorders Clinics

Anonymous #1

I have my first appointment with some eating disorders specialists in a couple of weeks "for assessment" :s:

does anyone know what's going to happen? I'm really scared about it :frown:

Having some idea of what to expect would be really useful...

Reply 1

sarcasticallysincere

I am assuming you have been referred to the clinic by a doctor probably because you have a very low bmi or have been suffering from an eating disorder for a sustained period of time. What they will probably do is talk to you and your parents if they are there maybe run some tests such as heart rate - blood tests etc and then they will decide what is the best way to treat you. This will either be through out patient therapy sessions in less extreme situations where you will have regular sessions with the specialists and they may use techniques such as Cognitive behavioural therapy etc. Alternatively if you are really bad then they may recommend you for in patient therapy particularly if you have a very low dangerous body weight or are considered a risk to yourself. This will include counselling sessions, diet maintaining and regular weigh ins etc and constant monitoring but this is only used in very extreme occasions. Out patient is more likely. The option they choose will depend on your situation and the treatment they think will be most effective in your case. Good luck with everything

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

Thanks for that, my parents don't know anything about it as I'm at uni at the moment and haven't seen them in a couple of months. I was referred by a GP - my housemate took me. What sort of criteria would get me put in a unit? It's highly unlikely that's going to happen, but all the same it's playing on my mind :frown:

Reply 3

sarcasticallysincere

There are certain criteria that they will use to assess whether in patient treatment would be the most suitable.

These are extensive but include -

- Low blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat or very low or very high pulse.
- Extreme mineral deficiencies.
- Weight loss of more than 25 percent of ideal body weight or rapid, progressive weight loss (1 to 2 pounds per week) in spite of competent psychotherapy.
- Binge/purge behaviors are happening multiple times per day with no or little reduction.
- Outpatient treatment failure: (a) patient is unable to complete an outpatient trial, for example, can't physically drive to or remember sessions, or (b) treatment has lasted six months with no substantial improvement (e.g., weight gain, reduction of bingeing or purging, etc.).
- Observation for diagnosis and/or medication trial.
- Suicidal thoughts or gestures (e.g., self-cutting).
- Chaotic or abusive family situation, in which the family sabotages treatment.
- Inability to perform activities of daily living eg frequent blacking out / collapsing / inability to look after self or where patient tries to perform activities which could endanger other members of public eg driving.

Hope this helps

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