First episode rapid early intervention for eating disorders: A two-year follow-up

We describe 2-year outcomes of a novel first episode early intervention service for young adults with a recent onset eating disorder (FREED). Outcomes in FREED patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) were compared with those from patients previously seen in our service [treatment as usual (TAU) cohort], matched for age, illness duration and diagnosis.

Electronic case records of FREED-AN (n = 22) and TAU-AN patients (n = 35) were examined to identify service utilisation and clinical outcomes over 24 months.

Outpatient service utilisation was similar in both groups, but FREED-AN patients needed intensive (in- or day-patient) treatment less frequently than TAU-AN (23% vs 32%). FREED-AN patients had a higher estimated mean body mass index [19.2 kg/m² ; 95% CI (18.21, 20.16)] than TAU patients [18.0 kg/m² ; 95% CI (16.90, 19.15)] at last contact.

Introduction of FREED led to a more complete recovery in patients with AN at 24 months.