First Episode & Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders (FREED)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development and Evaluation of a First episode and Rapid Early intervention for Eating Disorders (FREED) Service
IRAS ID
154012
Contact name
Ulrike Schmidt
Contact email
Research summary
Eating disorders (ED) are severe mental disorders with high levels of disability and mortality. Peak onset is in adolescence and early adulthood, whilst the brain is still developing. Starvation and extreme weight loss practices have a major impact on the brain, leading to lasting changes which negatively affect recovery. A recent survey of young sufferers by the national ED charity, BEAT, found that 64% had to wait more than 18 weeks for treatment and 74% of these found their ED deteriorated over this time. Thus to prevent ED running a chronic course, early effective intervention is essential.Despite this, early intervention services do not exist for people with eating disorders.
Barriers to early intervention include poor access to services, poor transitions between services and sufferers' ambivalence and families' lack of knowledge. In this research study, we will develop and evaluate an innovative early intervention service for young people aged 18-25 which will overcome these barriers. A clear pathway for early treatment and management will be discussed and agreed with the young person (and family, where appropriate). We will target the unique window for change that only exists within the first few years of onset to achieve full recovery.
To evaluate the research, we will carry out an outcome evaluation of a cohort of patients who participated in the FREED service, and who will be assessed at baseline, mid- and post-treatment and at follow up. Where appropriate we will also assess levels of carer satisfaction and distress. In addition, we will compare these individuals with individuals (matched for age, duration of ED and diagnosis) who were assessed and treated in the unit before FREED started. This will include comparison of duration of untreated eating disorder. Finally we will interview some patients, carers and clinicians regarding their experience of FREED.
REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/0873
Date of REC Opinion
4 Aug 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion