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Independent evaluation of the FREED model: Early intervention is effective in adults with eating disorders.
  • +2
  • Georgia Templeton,
  • Fiona Pender,
  • Rachel Mills,
  • Hannah Clark,
  • Kevin D. Hochard
Georgia Templeton
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
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Fiona Pender
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
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Rachel Mills
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
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Hannah Clark
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
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Kevin D. Hochard
University of Chester School of Psychology

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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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.
12 Jul 2024Submitted to Early Intervention in Psychiatry
15 Jul 2024Submission Checks Completed
15 Jul 2024Assigned to Editor
15 Jul 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
16 Jul 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned