Independent evaluation of the FREED model: Early intervention is
effective in adults with eating disorders.
Abstract
Aim A longer Duration of Untreated Eating Disorder illness is
associated with poorer clinical outcomes. First Episode Rapid Early
Intervention for Eating Disorders (FREED) is a treatment pathway for
emerging adults (16-25) with a duration of untreated illness ≤ 3 years,
showing promising results. Our study aimed to replicate findings by
assessing differences between FREED and Treatment-As-Usual from
assessment to discharge. Method A retrospective cohort study was
conducted using routinely collected data comparing eating disorder
symptoms in patients attending FREED (n=33) and Treatment-As-Usual
(n=71) between January 2022 and April 2024. Results Both FREED
and Treatment-As-Usual significantly reduced eating disorder symptoms.
FREED did not show greater efficacy but had patients with lower
symptomatology at assessment and closer to clinical recovery at
discharge. Discussion & Conclusion Findings suggest FREED is
effective, highlighting the importance of early intervention in eating
disorders. However, access is limited, and inclusion criteria should
reflect adult treatment demand.