Eating Disorder Assessments at Bloomfield Health: How We Help You Refer With Confidence

BY: Bloomfield Health / October 22, 2025

Why timely assessment matters

Eating disorders are potentially serious mental health conditions which can have medical complications at any body weight. Early, evidence-based assessment improves outcomes and reduces risk across anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). UK guidance emphasises rapid recognition, medical risk screening, and coordinated, multidisciplinary care.

For frontline services, knowing when a patient needs specialist psychiatric assessment versus urgent medical care can be challenging. The Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Medical Emergencies in Eating Disorders (MEED) guidance (which replaced MARSIPAN) provides clear red-flag indicators and pathways for escalation.

Who we are

At Bloomfield Health, Dr Lucy Stephenson provides comprehensive eating-disorder psychiatric assessments for adults. We work alongside GPs, general psychiatrists, therapists, and dieticians to deliver clear diagnoses, risk formulations, and practical care plans—whether the next step is NHS ED service referral, private psychotherapy/dietetics, or medical admission.

(If you’re an NHS or university service, we’re happy to discuss shared-care arrangements and rapid triage slots for urgent cases.)

When to refer

Specialist eating disorder assessment is appropriate when an eating disorder is suspected, particularly in the following scenarios:

• Diagnostic uncertainty – differentiating anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, ARFID, or mixed/atypical presentations.
• Complex comorbidity – including depression, OCD, social anxiety, trauma, autistic traits/ADHD, or personality difficulties.
• Stalled progress in therapy or dietetic input, or recurrent relapse.
• Questions about capacity, treatment engagement, or suitability for specific evidence-based therapies.
• Occupational or educational impact requiring medico-legal assessment or fitness-to-study/-work input.

What our comprehensive assessment includes

1) Diagnostic & psychosocial assessment
Structured psychiatric interview covering eating behaviours, weight/shape concerns, compensatory behaviours, and functional impact.
Screening for common co-morbidities (mood, anxiety/OCD, trauma, neurodevelopmental conditions). NICE

2) Medical risk review (aligned with MEED & NICE)
Review of vitals, recent bloods (U&Es including phosphate/potassium, FBC, LFTs, glucose), ECG if available; coordination with GP for tests if needed.
Identification of refeeding risk, dehydration, and indications for medical admission. www.rcpsych.ac.uk

3) Formulation & diagnosis
A biopsychosocial formulation integrating perpetuating factors (malnutrition, cognitive rigidity, anxiety, perfectionism, trauma) and protective factors.

4) Clear, actionable plan
Evidence-based treatment options. NICE
Risk mitigation (bone health, syncope risk, crisis planning) and advice on study/work adjustments.

How we work with you

• Rapid access: We hold urgent triage slots for high-risk presentations (subject to clinical appropriateness).
• Joined-up care: We can liaise with other professionals to avoid duplication and delays.
• Ethical, patient-centred practice: We follow NICE and RCPsych standards; capacity, consent, and safeguarding are integral to our process.

What referrers and patients can expect

Before the appointment

• Pre-assessment screening and request for recent observations/labs if relevant.
• Guidance on preparing safely for the appointment

During the appointment

• Compassionate, non-stigmatising consultation; optional involvement of family or carers.
• Discussion of immediate safety steps and treatment preferences.

After the appointment

• Report within a clear timeframe summarising diagnosis, risk, and plan (treatment options, medical monitoring, referrals, and resources).
• Signposting to reputable support

Refer to Dr Lucy Stephenson

Clinician referrals: Send a brief summary (presenting concerns, risks, recent vitals/labs, current supports) via our secure referral route.
Self-referrals (18+): We’re happy to discuss suitability and next steps.