A new national model of care for the treatment of eating disorders has been launched by the HSE.

The model provides a blueprint for how services will be developed and improved throughout the country. Its aim is to improve access to safe and high-quality services for people of all ages.

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are a group of recognised mental health disorders that are caused by a combination of genetic and psychological factors. They are estimated to affect up to 5% of the population.

All eating disorders are linked with high levels of both mental and physical complications, such as heart problems. Furthermore, anorexia has the highest mortality rate of all psychiatric conditions.

The new model of care was developed in conjunction with the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland (CPI) and Bodywhys, the national voluntary organisation which provides support to people with eating disorders.

A four-year implementation plan has been announced ‘to allow for phased recruitment and training', the HSE said. It is hoped that people with eating disorders will have faster access to assessment and early intervention, and increased access to specialist healthcare professionals.

Improved support for families and carers is also included in the model.

"People can and do recover from eating disorders and specialist evidence-based outpatient treatment is associated with faster recovery. The focus on early intervention to achieve clinical and personal recovery in this relatively young group is key to person-centred care and the sustainability of mental health services over their lifespan.

"We are also now seeing a coordinated approach to specialised care for those attending outpatient, day patient or inpatient programmes, which is an important development for eating disorder services. Family involvement in treatment is also particularly important in younger age groups," commented Anne O'Connor, national director for community operations with the HSE.

For more information on Bodywhys, click here