Psychiatry for Eating Disorders

 
 

What is Psychiatry for Eating Disorders?

Psychiatrists who specialise in helping people with eating disorders  provide medical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment .  which addresses both the psychological and physical aspects of these distressing conditions. There are a wide range of eating disorders including: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)  and atypical eating disorders.

Our psychiatrists combine specialist medical expertise with compassionate, evidence-based care to help individuals regain stability, improve self-esteem, and rebuild a relationship with food and their body . Treatment may include talking therapies, medication management, collaboration with dietitians and therapists, and guidance around medical monitoring and recovery planning.

 

Who is Psychiatry for Eating Disorders for?

This service is for adults who are struggling with eating behaviours or thoughts that significantly impact daily life, relationships, or health. It may be suitable if you:

  • Have symptoms of an eating disorder or a complex relationship with food or weight
  • Need a specialist diagnosis or second opinion
  • Are managing physical or medical complications related to eating behaviours
  • Have co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, autism, ADHD or OCD
  • Have not fully responded to talking therapy alone or require medication input
  • Are recovering from an eating disorder and need ongoing psychiatric monitoring
  • Feel your symptoms are worsening or becoming more distressing

Our psychiatrists also work with individuals whose symptoms don’t fit neatly into one diagnosis, such as OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder).

 

What does Psychiatry for Eating Disorders involve?

  • Comprehensive assessment (typically 2 hours)
  • Exploration of eating patterns, body image, emotional triggers, and physical health
  • Review of past treatment history and medical risks
  • Diagnosis and treatment planning tailored to your needs
  • Consideration of medication where clinically appropriate
  • Monitoring of weight, nutrition, and any physical complications (in collaboration with your GP)
  • Guidance on choosing the right psychological therapies  (CBT-E, MANTRA, or DBT-informed approaches) and referrals for you
  • Support with mood, anxiety, trauma, and self-esteem
  • Reports or letters for GPs, dietitians, or insurers as needed
  • Regular follow-up appointments for review and ongoing support
  • Collaboration with therapists, nutritionists, and multidisciplinary teams when appropriate
  • Focus on safety and relapse prevention
Our approach
 

At Bloomfield Health, we provide compassionate, trauma-informed, and person-centred care for adults living with eating disorders.

We understand that eating disorders are not simply about food — they often reflect deeper emotional distress, perfectionism, or difficulties in self-acceptance. Our psychiatrists take time to explore your whole story and design a treatment plan that supports both mental and physical recovery.

We work collaboratively with therapists, GPs, and dietitians to ensure that your care is safe, integrated, and tailored to your recovery goals. Our approach emphasises respect, autonomy, and hope, recognising that recovery looks different for everyone.

 

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose, assess medical risks, and prescribe medication if needed. Therapists provide ongoing psychological support. Many people benefit from both, working together as part of a team.

No. You book an assessment with one of our eating disorder specialists if you have concerns about eating behaviours, weight, or body image without having a previous diagnosis. Your psychiatrist can help clarify whether your experiences meet the diagnostic criteria for a specific condition.

Medication can support treatment by targeting mood, anxiety, or obsessive thoughts, for example, but it’s rarely a standalone solution. Your psychiatrist will discuss options and weigh up the benefits and risks carefully with you.

We understand that this can be sensitive. Our clinicians always work respectfully and at your pace. You can discuss any boundaries or preferences during your assessment.

 

Yes. We offer secure online appointments where appropriate. However, if there are physical health concerns, we may recommend in-person assessment or coordination with your GP for monitoring.

With your consent, we can liaise with your GP and other professionals to ensure coordinated care — especially for medical monitoring, blood tests, and nutritional support.

You can still book an initial consultation to explore your feelings and options. Our psychiatrists provide a non-judgmental space for you to talk openly about how ready you might be to try making changes.

Recovery varies for each person. Some people attend for short-term review and medication support; others engage in longer-term psychiatric follow-up alongside therapy. Your plan will be flexible and regularly reviewed.

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