Eating disorder service introduces self-referrals

Adults experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder can now refer themselves to Lincolnshire NHS for specialist support. 

The Adult Eating Disorders Service (AEDS) provides help to local people over 16 years old living with Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, and other difficulties with their eating.

The service does not ask for a BMI or weight requirement to access support, as someone with an eating disorder may not be underweight or overweight but their physical, mental, and social wellbeing can all be affected by their eating behaviour.

Adults can self-refer to receive assistance from the non-judgmental team, which  provides help for mild to moderate eating disorders and offer specialist support to those with severe disorders. 

AEDS also offers specialist eating disorder assessments, evidence-based treatment, and advice for those experiencing symptoms.

Access to the Adult Eating Disorders Service is available to anyone aged 16 and over registered with a GP practice in Lincolnshire. 

Those 16 to 17.5 years old can decide whether they would like to work with the Children’s Eating Disorders team or AEDS.

According to Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity, it is estimated that at least 1.25 million people suffer from eating disorders in the country. The charity states that around 25% of those affected are male and that recent research from the NHS Information Centre show that up to 6.4% of adults displayed signs of an eating disorder. 

For more information, visit www.lpft.nhs.uk/our-services/adults/eating-disorders 

Self-referral forms can be completed online at www.lpft.nhs.uk/our-services/adults/eating-disorders/eating-disorder-self-referral