Eating Disorders Outreach Program

Warning signs of an eating disorder can include any of the following:

• Highly concerned with shape, weight and personal control over these factors
• Poor and distorted body image
• Significant weight loss
• Fear of, or refusal to, weight gain
• Unusual eating habits
• Obsession with food (cooking, shopping, etc.)
• Extreme weight management techniques including laxative use, vomiting and excessive exercise
• Loss or absence of menses
• Social isolation, depression and/or irritability

The Eating Disorder Outreach Program provides:

• Intake and assessment interviews with patients and families.
• Individual and family treatment.
• Referrals as needed to London Health Sciences Centre Child and Adolescent and Adult Eating Disorder Programs and other resources.
• Community education.

Additionally, the eight-week Eating Disorders Intensive Outreach Program (if deemed appropriate by the care team) offers:

• Intensive day treatment services, including the direct link to hospital admissions when necessary.
• Increased access to social workers, psychiatry, registered dieticians, and meal support.
• Support from a dedicated nurse practitioner.

For Adults

Patients are eligible for admission to the Eating Disorders Outreach Program if they are: 

• Able to access regular medical monitoring while in treatment and while awaiting treatment.
• Willing and able to commit to staying alive and willing to address any life-threatening behaviours (this includes addressing eating disorder behaviours that put your life at risk)
• Ready to work on recovering from the eating disorder.

It may be important to address additional diagnosis (depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance misuse, etc.) prior to entering eating disorder treatment if the patient has not already done so.

If the patient is experiencing any of the following, now may not be the right time for an eating disorder referral:

• BMI less than 16.5. If BMI is less than 16.5, please refer to an inpatient or hospitalization service at  Toronto General, Ottawa Civic or Credit Valley Hospitals.
• Acute suicidality or unmanaged psychosis
• Chronic medical condition that is untreated or unmanaged (such as diabetes, low blood pressure, electrolyte imbalance etc.).
• Cognitive or daily functioning impairments that would render someone unable to engage in treatment.
• Substance dependence that requires withdrawal management first.
• Currently in residential or day treatment; in hospital; or incarcerated.
• Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).

For referral to the Adult Eating Disorders Outreach Program, please have the following referral form completed by your primary care provider:

Adult Eating Disorder Referral Form
 

For Youth & Adolescents

Patients are eligible for admission to the Eating Disorders Outreach Program if they are: 

• Able to access regular medical monitoring while in treatment and while awaiting treatment.
• Willing and able to commit to staying alive and willing to address any life-threatening behaviours (this includes addressing eating disorder behaviours that put your life at risk)
• Able to engage in family-based treatment with a guardian or family member.

It may be important to address additional diagnosis (depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance misuse, etc.) prior to entering eating disorder treatment if the patient has not already done so.

If the patient is experiencing any of the following, now may not be the right time for an eating disorder referral:

• Acute suicidality or unmanaged psychosis
• Chronic medical condition that is untreated or unmanaged (such as diabetes, low blood pressure, electrolyte imbalance etc.).
• Cognitive or daily functioning impairments that would render someone unable to engage in treatment.
• Substance dependence that requires withdrawal management first.
• Currently in residential or day treatment; in hospital; or incarcerated.
• Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).

For referral to the Youth Eating Disorders Outreach Program, please have the following referral form completed by your primary care provider:

Youth Eating Disorder Referral Form