Eating Disorder Team (Step 3 CAMHS Team)
We work with children and young people who have been assessed and formally diagnosed with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. We use a very specific criteria that is listed in DSM-5 to identify and diagnose. At this time these are the only eating disorders that are treated by this team.
We recognise that eating disorders can be hard to identify and hidden and that they affect whole families. They are distressing and difficult to manage in the home. Our aim is provide intensive guidance which is evidenced to help; we provide both family support and individual adolescent focused treatments to restore both physical health and psychological health. To do this we provide treatment according to personal situation and current problems. We first focus on restoring physical health and helping managing distress. This may include medical monitoring, nutritional advice, (meal planning and weight restoration advice), and therapeutic support to manage eating disorder behaviours and complications.
Once a young person is physically well and weight restored, we offer talking therapy to help young people. We may discuss topics such as their relationship with food, how they view their bodies and themselves. As part of this we may treat issues that are linked to eating disorders, for example anxiety and low mood. The team have formal training in psychological therapies including family therapy and in cognitive behavioural therapies.
Young people and their families will be supported by a key worker and a family worker, treatment approach is decided together by young people, their families and the team. We work closely as a multi-disciplinary team and staffed by trained professionals who have expertise in working with children, young people and their families who have been impacted by eating disorders.
Appointments may include contact with the following professionals:
- Social workers
- Nurses
- Clinical Psychologists
- Psychiatrists
- Occupational Therapists
- CBT therapists
- Family therapists
- Dietitians.
Young people who are referred to our service will be assessed (this is called a choice appointment) this is an appointment to share concerns and to help us understand current problems and to see if we are the best service to offer help and advice. At this appointment we will agree a plan to see again or we may signpost to services that can meet needs more appropriately
Referrals
Referrals to Eating Disorder Team (Specialist CAMHS – Step 3) can be made by your GP or hospital doctor through the Children’s Referral Service (CRS).
Email: camhs.crs@northerntrust.hscni.net
