opinion: there's an urgent need for access to treatment for eating disorders
the eating disorders foundation of canada (edfc) has launched the harbour, an innovative program to provide shelter, treatment and ongoing care for students with eating disorders.
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early intervention is extremely important as eating disorders also come with a high suicide rate and a high mortality rate due to medical complications. getty
eating disorders are a complex mental health issue that require a multidisciplinary approach. not only must eating disorders be addressed, but also the accompanying comorbidity factors, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd), obsessive-compulsive disorder (ocd), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd) and substance abuse.
eating disorders have the highest death rate of any disease between the ages of 15 and 24. some estimates indicate that it is at least 12 times higher than all other causes in this age range, with the exception of substance abuse. in fact, mortality rates are estimated to be as high as 10 to 20 per cent if left untreated. early intervention is extremely important as eating disorders also come with a high suicide rate and a high mortality rate due to medical complications.
for these reasons, it’s critical that we address the huge gap in services that currently exists, as well as the long wait times — which, currently in london, is approximately two and a half years — to access any form of treatment, including out-patient management as well as residential care. there is also a critical lack of follow-up. the eating disorders foundation of canada (edfc) is proposing to fill this gap and we need your help.
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edfc has launched the harbour, an innovative program to provide shelter, treatment and ongoing care for the student population. this will involve a multidisciplinary team that is customized to each individual who needs help with an eating disorder. as eating disorders include many other diagnoses, it is important to have a variety of treatment streams with a therapist that serves as both a case manager and a system navigator.
the treatment model would include student health services at western university and fanshawe college, incorporating student placement and lived experience involvement when appropriate, as well as provideevaluation to ensure an evidence-based approach. although this pilot project is scheduled to begin september 1, 2024, it’s a model that is easily transferable to other colleges, universities and local communities.
to launch our campaign to raise $500,000 for the first year of operations, edfc is hosting a benefit concert featuring “unraveling the wilbury’s,” on october 19 at the london music hall, with funds going directly to the harbour to establish a collaborative partnership with communities, universities and colleges.
visit the edfc website for more information and to buy tickets.
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dr. robert campbell is a psychiatrist and the president of the eating disorders foundation of canada.
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