Assessments

Assessments

Assessments usually take place over one morning. Parents/carer(s) of the young person should attend the appointment. It is important the whole family understands the eating disorder and accesses support.

The first appointment typically lasts up to one and a half hours and there is usually time for the young person and parents/carers to be seen both together and separately, so everyone has the opportunity to share their perspective.

What to Expect at Your Assessment

You will usually meet with one or two clinicians, and the assessment will include:

• Discussion of current concerns and eating-related difficulties
• How and when the difficulties developed
• Emotional wellbeing and any other mental health concerns
• Family life, school or college, and everyday functioning
• What you would like to be different?
• What goals feel important to you?

Physical health assessment

A physical health assessment will also be completed. This may include:

• Measuring height and weight
• Blood pressure and pulse
• Muscle strength and hydration
• Discussion of any physical symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, tiredness or feeling cold

We will also talk about what you would like to be different and what goals feel important, to help guide next steps.

After the assessment

After the assessment discussion, there will be a short break while the multidisciplinary team (which includes psychiatrists, paediatricians, psychologists, family therapists, dietitians, occupational therapists and nurses) meets to consider the information shared.

You will then be seen again for around 30–45 minutes to receive feedback and discuss recommendations.

Next steps and communication

At the end of the assessment, we aim for you to have a clear understanding of the difficulties identified and what will happen next and there are a number of possible outcomes and next steps:

• Agreement of a treatment plan, with specialist treatment as part of the feedback session on the same day as the assessment
• Advice and support, with a follow-up appointment arranged if appropriate
• Signposting or referral to another team if CAMHS Eating Disorders is not the most suitable service
• Discharge if no further mental health needs are identified that would benefit from CAMHS intervention

Following the assessment

We will:

• issue a summary letter to the young person, their family, the referrer and the GP
• Ongoing correspondence will be shared after each review, outlining progress and plans to family and GP