UNDERSTANDING AND TREATING SEVERE AND COMPLEX EATING DISORDERS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: FINDINGS FROM A SPECIALIST PROGRAM AT CHILDREN'S HEALTH QUEENSLAND

Abstract

Background: Eating disorders (EDs) can be severe and life-threatening conditions, and commonly cause anxiety and stress for clinicians during treatment and management. The Children's Health Queensland (CHQ) Child and Youth Mental Health Service (CYMHS) Eating Disorders Program (EDP) is a public service that provides specialist assessment and treatment for young people and families with EDs, in whom severe and complex presentations are typical. Objectives: To provide an overview of ED research, management and treatment strategies from the CYMHS of the CHQ EDP. Implications will be discussed for clinicians working with young people and families, as well as for a broader, service-level perspectives. Methods: Data from six studies are presented across the symposium, consisting of data collected from inpatient, outpatient and day program settings across the CYMHS of the CHQ EDP. Results: Results highlight the complexity common among young people and families with EDs, and what must be considered during treatment. The effectiveness of consistent evidence-based or informed protocols/ treatments among this cohort is highlighted. Conclusions: Treating and managing EDs among adolescents can be a challenging and stressful experience; however, full recovery is possible. Awareness and application of evidence-based treatments probably increases the likelihood of full recovery, while also increasing clinician confidence and competence.