EATING DISORDERS SERVICE

Transcription

1 #wearenhft EATING DISORDERS SERVICE HOW TO MAKE A REFERRAL nhft.nhs.uk

2 EATING DISORDER SERVICE THE SERVICE We are a countywide, psychology led, community/outpatient eating disorders service. We offer assessment and treatment to adults (18 and above) with a diagnosed eating disorder. Eating disorders are characterised by preoccupation with food and/or weight and body shape and harmful eating habits. WHO WE ARE We are experienced specialist clinicians including clinical and counselling psychologists, specialist nurses and a dietician. There is no medic within the service, so therefore we would kindly request that the patient you are referring is medically monitored within the GP surgery.

3 WHO WE SEE We offer assessment and treatment for adults who present with symptoms of an eating disorder including: ANOREXIA NERVOSA (AN): An intense fear of gaining weight. People with AN engage in a range of weight control behaviours e.g. restricting calorific intake (although it is a myth that people with anorexia do not eat at all) and excessively exercising. Maintaining a body weight that is unhealthy. Disturbed perception of body weight and shape. People with AN do not see their body as it actually is. They see a body that is much larger than it is in reality. Many do not realise how much weight they have lost, and find it difficult to understand why this is a problem. About 60% of people with AN also engage in bingeing and purging behaviours (e.g. laxatives or self-induced vomiting). BULIMIA NERVOSA (BN): An intense fear of gaining weight. Frequent episodes of binge eating (out of control eating of large amounts of food) followed by panic driven purging (in an attempt to compensate for the effect of the binge) e.g. by vomiting or laxatives, but also dieting/periods of starvation and exercising. Body weight can vary depending on the frequency of the binges and the effects of the bingeing and purging. BINGE EATING DISORDER (BED): Frequent urges and episodes of binge eating without associated purging. People with BED tend to have higher body weights than individuals with other eating disorders). Preoccupation with shape and weight, and fear of gaining further weight. High levels of distress, guilt and shame.

4 WHO WE DON T SEE Eating/Food phobia Faddy eating/avoidant food disorder Fear of choking/ vomit phobia Where the eating problem is secondary to other mental health or physical health issues we may co-work or work in consultation. People who are experiencing a loss of appetite due to anxiety or depression. Where risk from suicidal behaviour/ starvation/self-harm we will hope to co-work with the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) People whose needs exceed that of the EDS but are being offered no other service, we are unable to care coordinate and will only be aoffer a discrete intervention.

5 REFERRAL PROCESS WHAT INFORMATION WOULD BE HELPFUL IN A REFERRAL This information will allow us to fully assess the patients needs: The nature and duration of the individuals eating difficulties. Weight/ height BMI and any significant recent weight loss Frequency of vomiting, laxative use. We would request that individuals have blood tests, blood pressure and pulse prior to referral to highlight any physical risks. If you have any questions regarding the appropriateness of a referral then please do contact the service and ask to speak to a duty worker. WHAT HAPPENS ONCE WE RECEIVE A REFERRAL On receipt of referral the patient will be contacted via letter to ask them to arrange an initial screening appointment. We will offer an assessment within 13 weeks. PRIORITY ASSESSMENTS The patient will be prioritised and an assessment arranged within 10 working days where possible if they are experiencing these symptoms: Low weight BMI <15 Rapid weight loss over the last 3 months or The level of purging behaviour is extreme WHERE WE SEE CLIENTS We have clinics at Campbell House in Northampton and St Mary s Hospital in Kettering. In exceptional circumstances we are able to meet with patients nearer their homes.

6 REFERRALS CAN BE SENT BY LETTER TO: Eating Disorders Service, Campbell House, Campbell Square, Northampton, NN1 3EB Tel: Fax: , FOLLOWING ASSESSMENT On completion of our assessment the patient will be placed on our individual and/ or group waiting list to address their difficulties. The length of this waiting list varies depending on service demand. If appropriate we may offer a priority intervention to help prevent an inpatient admission. TYPES OF INTERVENTION OFFERED Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) Motivational enhancement therapy Group therapy Integrative psychotherapy Intensive home treatment (where appropriate) We are also the route to an inpatient admission usually at Leicester Eating Disorders Unit (Langley Ward) We are not a crisis service but encourage users of our service to approach CATSS and/or b-eat for telephone support out of hours where appropriate.

7 USEFUL NUMBERS Crisis and telephone support service (CATTSS) Beat (Eating Disorders Charity) Helpline Youthline

8 REFERRALS CONTACT Professionals and service users can contact the service to discuss a referral. Otherwise all referrals from GPs or other healthcare professionals should be sent to the address below: Northamptonshire Community Eating Disorders Service Campbell House Campbell Square Northampton NN1 3EB Eating.disorders@nhft.nhs.uk (Please be aware that information sent via this is not guaranteed to be secure) Office opening times: 9am 5pm Monday to Friday (Excluding bank holidays) V