Treatment Glossary

CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service)

CAMHS is the NHS mental health services for children and young people.  There are local NHS CAMHS services around the UK, with teams made up of nurses, therapists, psychologists, child and adolescent psychiatrists (medical doctors specialising in mental health), support workers and social workers, as well as other professionals.  Its support covers depression, problems with food and eating, self-harm, anger, anxiety and other difficulties.  Usually, your GP would refer you to this service and then CAMHS would refer you to the relevant eating disorder pathway within your area.

Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)

CAT explores patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that contribute to eating difficulties. Through understanding these patterns and their origins, CAT supports individuals in developing healthier coping strategies, ultimately promoting more balanced relationships with food and self-image.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is especially effective for bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder as it breaks down complex eating issues into manageable actions, helping individuals address specific thoughts and behaviours linked to disordered eating. By gradually tackling these smaller, achievable steps, CBT supports individuals in making behavioural change and building healthier eating patterns and improving their self-image over time.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

DBT teaches skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. By focusing on mindfulness and acceptance, DBT empowers individuals to manage overwhelming emotions and develop healthier coping strategies related to their eating behaviours.

FREED (First episode and Rapid Early intervention for Eating Disorders)

FREED is a service designed to give young people rapid access to specialised evidence-based treatment and support tailored to their needs.  It is for 16 to 25-year-olds who have had an eating disorder for three years or less.  Most areas across the country will have a FREED service.  Young people getting help for their eating disorder through FREED are given rapid access to specialised treatment which gives special attention to challenges we know young people face during these years of their life, and in the early stages of an eating disorder.

Family therapy

This approach involves the whole family in supporting the recovery journey of children and teenagers, helping to improve communication, understanding, and relationships within the family unit. Usually, the carers are invited to take over meal decisions and preparation until the young person is able to do this independently.  By providing strategies to support their loved one, this can create a supportive home environment.