Premium
Assessing the impact of First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders on duration of untreated eating disorder: A multi‐centre quasi‐experimental study
Author(s) -
Flynn Michaela,
Austin Amelia,
Lang Katie,
Allen Karina,
Bassi Ranjeet,
Brady Gabrielle,
Brown Amy,
Connan Frances,
FranklinSmith Mary,
Glen Danielle,
Grant Nina,
Jones William Rhys,
Kali Kuda,
Koskina Antonia,
Mahony Kate,
Mountford Victoria,
Nunes Nicole,
Schelhase Monique,
Serpell Lucy,
Schmidt Ulrike
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
european eating disorders review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.511
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1099-0968
pISSN - 1072-4133
DOI - 10.1002/erv.2797
Subject(s) - eating disorders , distress , intervention (counseling) , duration (music) , psychology , psychiatry , medicine , pediatrics , clinical psychology , art , literature
Background Duration of untreated eating disorder (DUED), that is, the time between illness onset and start of first evidence‐based treatment, is a key outcome for early intervention. Internationally, reported DUED ranges from 2.5 to 6 years for different eating disorders (EDs). To shorten DUED, we developed FREED (First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for EDs), a service model and care pathway for emerging adults with EDs. Here, we assess the impact of FREED on DUED in a multi‐centre study using a quasi‐experimental design. Methods Two hundred and seventy‐eight patients aged 16–25, with first episode illness of less than 3 years duration, were recruited from specialist ED services and offered treatment via FREED. These were compared to 224 patients, of similar age and illness duration, seen previously in participating services (treatment as usual [TAU]) on DUED, waiting times and treatment uptake. Results FREED patients had significantly shorter DUED and waiting times than TAU patients. On average, DUED was reduced by ∼4 months when systemic delays were minimal. Furthermore, 97.8% of FREED patients took up treatment, versus 75.4% of TAU. Discussion Findings indicate that FREED significantly improves access to treatment for emerging adults with first episode ED. FREED may reduce distress, prevent deterioration and facilitate recovery.