Evaluating the Impact of Eating Disorder Early Intervention on Young People's Work, Education and Social Functioning

Eating disorders (EDs) impair education, work and social functioning. First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders (FREED) is a nationally implemented early intervention service model in England for young people (16-25 years) with an ED duration of three years or less. This study evaluated the impact of FREED on functional outcomes using data from the multi-site FREED-Upscaled (FREED-Up) study.

A longitudinal design analysed data from 278 patients recruited in 2017-2018 across four specialist ED services. Work, education and social functioning were assessed using the Psychological Outcome Profile (PSYCHLOPS) and the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) at baseline, 3, 6 and 12-month. ED psychopathology and depression/anxiety were also measured. Linear mixed models examined WSAS and PSYCHLOPS changes, with correlations calculated between outcomes.

At baseline, 63% of patients reported work/education or social-related issues on the PSYCHLOPS. WSAS and PSYCHLOPS scores significantly improved over time, with greater long-term gains in treatment completers. WSAS reductions correlated with improvements in other clinical measures.

Treatment within FREED is associated with significant improvements in work, education, and social functioning, alongside clinical gains. These findings underscore the value of early intervention in reducing functional impairments in young people with EDs.