Eating Disorders Service Inpatient Unit National Services
Transcription
Eating Disorders Service Inpatient Unit National Services
National Services Eating Disorders Service Inpatient Unit Providing expert assessment, treatment and management of eating disorders for more than 25 years. South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust » I have experienced many therapeutic approaches in the history of my illness. I think I now have an understanding of why, but understanding does not lead in itself to change. Only through having cognitive behavioural therapy, which focuses on my actual behaviours and the irrational thoughts behind them, has the process of change been able to begin. « Jennifer, 24 Cover illustration by a patient in the Eating Disorders Inpatient Unit, 2010 2 National Services: Eating Disorders Service, Inpatient Unit Contents Service overview 4 Our philosophy 5 Who is our service for? 6 Interventions 8 Outcomes 16 Research 18 Our facilities 20 Our team 22 Training and consultancy 28 Case studies 30 Referring to our service 34 3 South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust Service overview The Eating Disorders Service is a specialist facility for people who have anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder or mixed eating disorder symptoms. Our unit provides a safe healing space where people can explore their difficulties and gain control over their eating disorder, working one-to-one, within a group and as part of their family. A wide range of evidence-based care packages are available, and can be tailored to suit specific needs. The agreed therapeutic aims will vary, but may involve gaining weight and establishing regular eating patterns. An important part of our work involves family members and carers, helping them come to an understanding of eating disorders, their likely causes and their consequences. We also offer an extensive programme of training and consultancy for eating disorder professionals, voluntary workers and teams. » The reflection groups after dinner helped me to de-stress and let go of any problems or issues. « Megan, 19 4 National Services: Eating Disorders Service, Inpatient Unit Our philosophy The Eating Disorders Service is a leading centre in the clinical management of eating disorders and professional training. We address life-threatening issues and deliver a service that is focused on the person, working with each individual to match a treatment package to their stage of recovery. We recognise that having an eating disorder, and experiencing the thoughts and feelings that go with it, can be extremely confusing and distressing. Our psychological therapies are focused on providing a space where people can begin to make sense of what has happened to them before they work towards change. Above all, we aim to empower people by giving them the skills they need to live a more fulfilling life. We strive to: ›› Provide a clinical service that is based on the best available evidence, taking into account the needs and wishes of all concerned ›› Work in partnership with all relevant parties to help a person achieve recovery from their eating disorder, maximum wellbeing and any other appropriate treatment goals ›› Disseminate knowledge and skills to people with eating disorders, their families, healthcare professionals and other relevant parties ›› Work towards improved treatments and care through research and auditing » It wasn’t until my daughter was undergoing treatment through SLaM that I felt valued as a carer. Previously, it was a struggle to be listened to, to get any support, and to get appropriate help for my daughter. The service has been wonderful and the collaborative care approach is excellent. Thank you! « Joan, carer Our unit is active in research and development across all aspects of eating disorders treatment, biology and clinical problems. We have won an NHS Innovation Award for developing methods of administering treatments for anorexia nervosa. 5 South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust Who is our service for? The inpatient unit admits people who are diagnosed as having an eating disorder according to ICD 10 criteria. Referrals are accepted from consultant psychiatrists, subject to funding agreements. » At times, when this illness shattered and destroyed any kind of relationship within my family, therapy slowly helped pick up the pieces and start to put them back together again. The staff are so experienced and never let you give up the battle against anorexia, which only sets out to kill its victims. « Rachel, 21 6 Eligibility ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› 18+ years Female Low weight, need for refeeding BMI <15 Need to meet the diagnostic criteria for severe anorexia nervosa and related conditions Formal and informal clients Physical complications associated with rapid weight loss including unstable biochemistry Eating disorders not otherwise specified Support from local CMHT care co-ordinator and local consultant psychiatrist Exclusion ›› R isk assessment may exclude those with moderate or severe learning disabilities, severe florid psychosis, or a forensic history ›› Obesity National Services: Eating Disorders Service, Inpatient Unit 7 South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust Interventions Following the initial assessment and admission to the ward, people may participate in group work, family work and tailored therapies. There are a number of groups and therapy sessions available, including: ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› Assessment of daily living skills Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) Cognitive remediation emotional skills therapy Collaborative family work and carer support Dietetic support and nutritional rehabilitation Group work Motivational enhancement therapy Occupational therapy Groups and sessions A range of individual treatments are available alongside a comprehensive group programme. Patients are encouraged to attend groups, occupational therapy and psychological therapies throughout the day when they are a resident on the ward. Assessment of daily living skills Assessments are performed in two parts by members of the psychology team. The first part involves a set of psychological tasks that assess cognitive style, which helps the team to define specific problems and work on solutions. The second is an interview to explore current circumstances, the history and events leading up to admission, and to understand difficulties and future goals. The person may be asked to complete a short questionnaire. Some tasks or questionnaires may be repeated closer to discharge to monitor changes over the course of the admission, and to help plan the transition to the next stage of treatment. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) Cognitive behavioural therapy is recognised as one of the most promising treatments for eating disorders (National Institute for Clinical Excellence – NICE, 2004). It is also highly effective in the treatment of a number of other psychological disorders, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety. CBT is an active, short to medium term psychological therapy that focuses on understanding the link between thoughts, feelings, physiological state and behaviours. In treating eating disorders, our patients are encouraged to become aware of unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviours that maintain their eating disorder. By understanding patterns, they can work towards changing unhelpful thoughts and, in turn, change feelings and behaviours. CBT also addresses a person’s core beliefs about themselves and the world, and each person is encouraged to set goals. This therapy is offered in a one-to-one or group setting. Cognitive remediation therapies Through this innovative therapy, we aim to give our patients the skills and understanding they need to challenge less flexible behaviours and thinking styles, which can make 8 National Services: Eating Disorders Service, Inpatient Unit engaging with recovery difficult. This therapy incorporates a series of puzzles, cognitive exercises, discussion and reflection. The emphasis is on thinking processes and style, rather than the content of thoughts. It is offered in a one-to-one and group setting. Collaborative family work and carers support Our service has pioneered innovative ways for clinicians to work with the families and carers of people with eating disorders. The Collaborative Care New Maudsley Model, begins with the premise that no one is to blame for the illness, and that collaborative working between parties is the most helpful way to challenge it. Through a variety of skills-based interventions, we share our understanding of the impact of the illness on the person and their family or carer, before experimenting with alternative responses to address the behaviours that the person may have adopted. We offer individual and group family work. We also run a facilitated carer support group, and offer outreach support for families. Dietetic support and nutritional rehabilitation The ward programme is supported by a specialist dietician, who works closely with our catering service to ensure the food we provide is suitable for re-feeding in the early stages. A range of options are provided to cater for food preferences, nutritional rehabilitation and weight restoration. We cater for the needs of vegetarians, vegans, people with special food requirements for religious and cultural reasons, and special medical diets. The dietician also meets people individually to discuss their food needs, and support them as they gradually take more responsibility for feeding themselves. Group work An extensive programme of group therapies is offered on the ward. Separate groups cover self esteem, relapse prevention, flexibility, diet, anxiety management, compassion, relaxation and body image. All patients are encouraged to attend groups, and homework is often completed between sessions. Motivational enhancement therapy Motivational enhancement therapy is an evidence-based treatment that incorporates the behavioural change strategies outlined in recent NICE guidelines, including; outcome expectancies, personal relevance, positive attitude, self-efficacy, descriptive norms, personal and moral norms, intention formation and concrete plans, behavioural contracts and relapse prevention.1 The aim is to support people in identifying the problems they are facing that could be changed. People are also encouraged to explore and increase their motivation to make these changes. Occupational therapy A wide-ranging and varied occupational therapy programme is available. We offer aikido, digital photography, drumming, karaoke, organic kitchen, pottery and textiles. Occupational therapy provides people with an eating disorder the opportunity to explore and develop their interests, and set practical and healthy goals. We encourage group activities where people can interact with others, which assists with building and developing social skills. 1National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), Behaviour change at population, community and individual levels (NICE Public Health Guidance, London, 2007). 9 South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust Weekly programme TIME MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 06.00 – 07.30 Weigh in Weigh in Weigh in Weigh in Weigh in Weigh in Weigh in 07.30 – 07.45 Medication Medication Medication Medication Medication Medication Medication 07.45 – 08.30 Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast 08.30 – 09.30 Rest period Rest period Rest period Rest period Rest period Rest period Rest period Local ward / management round 09.30 – 12.00 Community meeting 09.00 – 09.40 National ward / management round 09.30 – 12.00 Community meeting 09.00 – 09.40 Activity time 09.00 – 10.00 10.00 – 10.15 Snacks Snacks Snacks Snacks Snacks Snacks Snacks 10.15 – 10.35 Rest period Rest period Rest period Rest period Rest period Rest period Rest period Craft group 10.30 – 11.30 Relapse prevention group 10.15 – 11.15 11.40 – 12.00 Medication Medication Medication Medication Medication Medication Medication 12.00 – 12.45 Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Rest period Rest period Canteen group 12.00 – 13.00 12.45 – 13.45 10 Rest period Rest period Rest period Rest period Rest period Relaxation 12.45 – 12.50 Relaxation 12.45 – 12.50 Relaxation 12.45 – 12.50 Relaxation 12.45 – 12.50 Relaxation 12.45 – 12.50 National Services: Eating Disorders Service, Inpatient Unit » Practical and emotional support was given, and we were encouraged to support each other. « Aisha, 20 TIME MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY Body image group 13.15 – 14.30 Retreat group 13.00 – 14.00 Dietician’s group 13.00 – 13.50 THURSDAY FRIDAY Aikido 14.00 – 15.00 Swimming 14.00 – 15.00 Flexibility or emotions group 14.00 – 15.00 SATURDAY SUNDAY Activity time 13.00 – 14.00 15.00 – 15.15 Snacks Snacks Snacks Cooking group 15.00 – 19.00 Snacks Snacks Snacks Snacks 15.15 – 15.35 Rest period Rest period Rest period Rest period Rest period Rest period Rest period Worry group 15.30 – 16.30 17.30 – 18.00 Medication Medication Medication Medication Medication Medication Medication 18.00 – 18.45 Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner 18.45 – 19.45 Rest period Rest period Rest period Rest period Rest period Rest period Rest period 19.00 – 19.30 Shift reflection group Shift reflection group Shift reflection group Shift reflection group Shift reflection group Shift reflection group Shift reflection group 22.00 – 22.15 Snacks Snacks Snacks Snacks Snacks Snacks Snacks 22.15 – 22.35 Rest period Rest period Rest period Rest period Rest period Rest period Rest period 11 South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust Our care model FAMILY AND CARERS ›› Skills-based training in caring for a loved one with an eating disorder ›› Joint understanding of the illness ›› Understanding medical risks ›› Basic facts about the eating disorders EDUCATION, VOCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ›› Support to achieve or continue with further education ›› Support to start voluntary work during admission PATIENT RISK MANAGEMENT ›› Maintaining medical needs ›› Routine blood investigations ›› Understanding of blood results ›› Psychological and physical risk management ›› Discharge planning ›› Recommendation for managing the illness in the community ›› Appropriate use of MHA, MCA and DOLS legislation ›› Gentle re-feeding and weight restoration ›› Developing a new language to communicate emotional needs ›› Developing an independent life, away from the illness ›› Support to develop social skills ›› Reintegration into community ›› Experimental home leave ›› Attention to spiritual needs ASSESSMENT ›› Multidisciplinary formulations ›› Neurological assessments with feedback 12 THERAPIES ›› Psychological therapies ›› Occupational therapy ›› Problem solving techniques ›› Relapse prevention group ›› Body image group ›› Complementary therapies ›› Convalescence controlled exercise ›› Drama therapy DIETETIC SUPPORT ›› Assessment ›› Individual diet plan ›› Dietetic group support ›› Consultations with the patient, and family or carer about maintenance and a discharge diet plan National Services: Eating Disorders Service, Inpatient Unit 13 South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust 14 » Cooking and canteen groups have seriously helped me to find confidence in eating socially, and have allowed me to find a new relationship with food. « Hannah, 18 fe tr rre ea d tm to en da ts y er ca vi re ce ou tp at Re ie fe nt rr se ed Re rv to fe ic rr e ed co r to m eh in m ab t un il en ity ita siv w tion e ar d Re al er r re f p n la d lis t d T co rea nt tm in en ue t s/ pl ex an te nd e de ci de t en tin g ai w m ss se as s in Jo tp en tm Tr ea nt tie pa In et tm no D ca isc re ha pl rg an ed ap w pr ith M oa o of n ch fe th re ly d fo llo w -u re T vi re ew at ed me m nt on pl th an ly A d be mit co te m dw es h av en ai b la ed bl e ek Se ria ite Cr R co efe ns rr ul als ta f nt ro ps m C yc M Re hi H at T vi ris & ew ts re fe rr al D et ai ls en te re d Re in tr co to ea m sy tm m st e en n em tp d ac ka ge Fu nd in g ap pr ov H ed w alf ith d a co y a ns ss ul es ta sm nt e nt National Services: Eating Disorders Service, Inpatient Unit Our care pathway 15 South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust Outcomes Our service aims to help people gain control over their eating disorder and enables patients and carers to develop an understanding of eating disorders, their likely causes and consequences. Expected outcomes include: ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› Weight restoration Establishing regular and balanced eating patterns A clarification of diagnosis Stable biochemistry Identifying and exploring underlying emotional problems Improved psychological functioning Our results Graph 1 shows a comparison of the body-mass index (BMI) of former inpatients on admission and after a three year follow-up. Overall, people experienced an improvement in their body-mass index (BMI) and eating disorder symptoms, which remained present for as long as three years after admission. Graph 2 shows the level of depression, anxiety and stress experienced by patients on admission and discharge. All three of these were significantly reduced on discharge. Graph 3 displays results from our general health questionnaire (GHQ) given to carers. GHQ measures the general level of distress and anxiety experienced by carers between the time of admission and discharge. 16 1.Patients’ BMI at admission 2000 – 2005 and 3 year follow-up 20 18 16 14 12 10 INDIVIDUAL GROUP TYPE OF FAMILY WORK BMI admission BMI 3 year follow-up Average National Services: Eating Disorders Service, Inpatient Unit » The level of psychological treatment you can access is brilliant. « 2.Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scores (DASS) Jo, 26 3.General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) for carers 40 20 35 30 25 20 15 15 10 5 0 DASS TOTAL DASS DEPRESSION DASS ANXIETY DASS STRESS 10 GHQ BASELINE GHQ 3 MONTH FOLLOW-UP GHQ 3 YEAR FOLLOW-UP Admission Individual family work Discharge Multiple family work 17 South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust Research Our unit works closely with the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, on eating disorder research. This means we are continually improving our understanding of these illnesses. By finding out more about the causes of anorexia, bulimia and other eating disorders, we are able to develop new and better treatments, as well as effective ways to support families and carers. Our link to the Institute of Psychiatry allows us to respond to the most recent research findings, and gives us direct access to expert knowledge, consultation and training. Ongoing research topics include: ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› Thinking styles and eating disorders Males with eating disorders Emotional and social understanding in eating disorders Eating disorders: the environment and genes Carers of people with eating disorders For results of recent research findings, visit www.eatingresearch.com. » The ward saved my life and has enabled me to achieve things I never thought possible. « Leena, 18 18 National Services: Eating Disorders Service, Inpatient Unit 19 South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust Our facilities Our inpatient unit is based at Bethlem Royal Hospital. Bethlem Royal Hospital has a long history of providing the highest quality care for people recovering from mental health issues. The hospital offers the perfect therapeutic environment for promoting recovery, set in 270 acres of green space, with woodland and meadows that are designated as a ‘site of importance for nature conservation’. Facilities at the Bethlem include a swimming pool, art gallery, walled garden, a chapel, nature walks and an extensive occupational therapy programme, utilised by many of our patients. This programme provides a wide choice of creative 20 activities, which gives people the opportunity to rekindle old skills, learn from new experiences and build their confidence on their path to recovery. The inpatient unit has: ›› 17 beds ›› Two living areas ›› Dining area for meals and snacks ›› Kitchen for supervised cooking ›› Family rooms ›› Group and individual therapy rooms National Services: Eating Disorders Service, Inpatient Unit 21 South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust Our team Our specialist team includes professors, psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, health care assistants and administrators. Our patients benefit from a multidisciplinary approach, and the wealth of diverse skills that are on offer allow us to design specialist care plans that are tailored to individual needs. Each person has an allocated team, plus one-to-one care from a primary nurse. 22 National Services: Eating Disorders Service, Inpatient Unit Key staff members Professor Janet Treasure PhD, FRCP, FRCPsych Director of the Eating Disorder Unit | Professor of Psychiatry Professor Janet Treasure is a psychiatrist who has specialised in the treatment of eating disorders for more than 25 years. She is currently director of the Eating Disorders Service, a leading centre in the clinical management of eating disorders and training. Other roles Professor Treasure holds, or has held, the following posts: ›› Chief medical advisor for Beat, the UK’s primary eating disorder charity ›› Patron of the Sheffield Eating Disorders Association ›› Fellow of Academy of Eating Disorders ›› Former Chair for the physical treatment section of the UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) Guideline Committee Background In 2007, Professor Treasure received an Eating Disorders National Award from national eating disorder charity Beat. She delivers information and training via DVD, face-toface workshops and seminars, for professional and nonprofessional carers. She has also developed an e-learning module on motivational interviewing. Research Professor Treasure has been active in research and has over 150 peer reviewed papers. In 1984, she was awarded the Gaskell medal from the Royal College of Psychiatrists. In 2004, she was awarded the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED) Leadership Award in Research. The award honours an individual who has, over substantial period of time, used research to develop new knowledge about eating disorders. In addition to her work with eating disorders, she has been involved in treatment trials for people with type 1 diabetes through cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing. She is also developing an intervention for working with the carers of adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Professor Janet Treasure has trained over 20 PhD students in research on eating disorders. During her career, she has edited seven academic texts on eating disorders and authored three self-help books, including, Getting better bite by bite on bulimia nervosa, Anorexia nervosa, a survival guide for families, friends and sufferers, a book for people with anorexia nervosa, parents and teachers, and Caring for a loved one with an eating disorder: a skillsbased manual of the new Maudsley method, for families and parents of people with an eating disorder. 23 South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust Our team continued Dr Kate Tchanturia PhD Consultant Clinical Psychologist | Senior Lecturer in Eating Disorders Dr Tchanturia is the lead psychologist in the Eating Disorders Service at the Trust. She is also module leader of the Mental Health Studies Programme (women’s mental health module) at the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London. Other roles As part of her work at the Institute of Psychiatry, Dr Tchanturia supervises PhD students, DClin Psychology trainee placements, dissertation projects and MSc dissertation projects. Since 2005, she has been chair of the specialist interest group in neuropsychology at the Academy of Eating Disorders, the largest international organisation covering eating disorders. She has been a member of the Maudsley Forum organising committee for a number of years. Background Dr Tchanturia completed her psychology training in 1982 and gained her PhD in experimental psychology in 1991. She is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and member of several professional bodies including The British Psychological Society (BPS), the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) and the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED). 24 National Services: Eating Disorders Service, Inpatient Unit Dr Nadia Micali MD, MRCPsych, PhD Consultant Psychiatrist | Clinical Scientist Dr Nadia Micali is a consultant psychiatrist with the Eating Disorders Service at Bethlem Royal Hospital. She is also a clinical scientist for the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). Other roles Dr Micali is a member of the Academy of Eating Disorders and an associate member of the Child Psychiatry Research Society. For the past seven years, she has also been on the organising committee for the Maudsley Forum, an annual course for european and international psychiatrists run by the Institute of Psychiatry. Background Dr Micali studied medicine in Italy before a year in France as a clinical fellow. She trained as a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Maudsley Hospital, where she specialised in eating disorders. She then became a clinical lecturer in child and adolescent psychiatry at the Institute of Psychiatry, where she completed a PhD in child and adolescent psychiatry and eating disorders. She has received a Young Investigators Award from NARSAD, the international brain and behaviour research fund, and the Margaret Davenport prize from the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Research Her current research interests include eating disorders and pregnancy, and the risk factors of eating and feeding disorders during adolescence, with a particular focus on longitudinal research. She is investigating these risk factors as part of the Avon longitudinal study of parents and children and the Copenhagen county children cohort. 25 South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust Our team continued Lynn St Louis RN (Mental Health), MSc, CAT practitioner Specialist Clinical Lead | Registered Mental Health Nurse Lynn St Louis is the specialist clinical lead for the inpatient Eating Disorders Service at Bethlem Royal Hospital. She manages the clinical work, teaching and research of eating disorders. She is responsible for liaising with referrers, primary care trusts and commissioners. She also provides training, supervision and organisational consultancy to the Trust and external stakeholders. Other roles During her time at SLaM, she has worked alongside leading professors and nurses in the eating disorders field. She has played a key role in therapy groups run at the inpatient unit, including motivational interviewing, cognitive analytic therapy, CBT and psychodynamic therapy. Over the years, she has also supported the team through the introduction of national referrals and the development of care packages to meet the needs of people with a severe form of anorexia nervosa and complex personalities. Background Lynn has worked in the eating disorders field since 1986. She opened outpatient and day care services for Croydon residents at Bethlem Royal Hospital. 26 National Services: Eating Disorders Service, Inpatient Unit Lynn completed her master’s degree in mental health studies in 2007. In 2002, she completed her diploma for the cognitive analytic therapy practitioner qualification. She also completed a development programme for women managers in the NHS between June 1999 and February 2000. Research Her research interests include cognitive remediation therapy and its application to people with anorexia nervosa on an inpatient unit specialising in eating disorders. Sue Greenwood Administration Lead Sue Greenwood is the senior administrator for the Eating Disorders Service. She provides a professional lead to administration staff and develops, implements and reviews standards for good administrative practice. She co-ordinates all referrals to the inpatient service at Bethlem Royal Hospital and liaises with commissioners and primary care trusts to arrange funding for inpatient admissions and assessments. She also arranges all CPA (care programme approach) meetings for inpatients and co-ordinates the panel reports for all national patients on a monthly basis. 27 South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust Training and consultancy We offer an extensive programme of training courses and consultancy in the assessment, treatment and management of different aspects of eating disorders. These courses are suitable for eating disorder professionals and teams, voluntary and professional groups and range from basic to advanced levels or master classes. Bespoke training to suit different services or needs is also available. The purpose of the training is to enhance treatment compliance with local teams, reduce relapse rates, enhance the role of carers, and disseminate research knowledge and skills to people and teams nationally and internationally. For more information about available training, contact Gill Todd on 07969 587 031 or email [email protected]. » All in all, I thought the service was outstanding. The combination of the programme and the team, together, helped me face up to the biggest battle of my life, and set me on the road to recovery. « Claire, 20 28 National Services: Eating Disorders Service, Inpatient Unit 29 South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust Anna “Anorexia was a big part of my life for nearly 10 years” I got ill around the age of 16. So, when I moved out of the family home and up to London, I went straight into a hospital. It was a building block – it didn’t completely work – but it was a start. I also had a few issues with drugs and alcohol at the time... trying to cope with the anorexia. Things then went downhill when I got my own flat. Having my own place meant I could do exactly what I wanted and it could go completely unnoticed. “I didn’t want to go back home again though, as that’s where my problems started” I’m trying to think what happened. I made enquiries myself... I knew things had gone downhill, so I got in touch with the Bethlem and saw a social worker for a few outpatient appointments. Motivational Enhancement Therapy sessions brought lots to the surface, but I probably wasn’t ready at the time and my weight dropped further. Actually, I wasn’t at my lowest point at that stage, but I agreed to an admission for a few months to focus on my weight. Then I joined the day-patient’s service and was back in the community again. 30 “I was struggling on my own though” I went downhill again, quite a lot, so the second time around I was sectioned under the Mental Health Act. It was a relief in a way – the decision had been made for me – but it was a tough time. I was high on the outside when I wasn’t eating, and of course I didn’t want to lose that high when I started eating and putting on weight. At that stage, if you’d given me an inch I’d have taken a mile. I was in a bad headspace and had already made a few suicide attempts, so the Bethlem was the safest place for me. You know with kids and boundaries? They make out they don’t like them, but they do need them. I needed strict guidelines... you then know what’s expected of you. I was there for a year this time and did lots of psychotherapy. When I came out, I was in contact with day-patients... my weight was still a little low, but steady. “I’d really had enough of feeling ill” Eight months later, I went back to the Bethlem voluntarily. I did more CBT, which focused on challenging the kinds of beliefs I had about myself. I also agreed to some work with my family. I knew this part was going to be the hardest to deal with, but it was the thing I needed to work on. National Services: Eating Disorders Service, Inpatient Unit Being around my family – and my early experiences with them – was affecting how I viewed myself. I’m not saying that all of this was down to them, but I do think the experiences had a role to play in me staying ill. I remember one psychologist saying that I was like a square peg trying to fit a round hole in my family. And that’s really how I felt. “The family work was going to happen – with or without me” Now I’ve got a really different structure to my life and have had a job for nearly two years. Work is one of the things that really helped me to take a big leap forward – I don’t even remember when food stopped being my primary impulse. “I know the decision to ask for help is hard, because your biggest fear is to put on weight, lose control and get fat” I did feel a bit trapped into the family work at the start – the idea of sitting in a counselling room with them felt like hell – but in my heart I knew I had to do it... and I’m so pleased I did. With anorexia though, there’s nothing to lose. In my case, the further downhill I went, the more trapped I realised I was getting. And that’s when the benefits of help really start to outweigh the negatives. Staff at the Bethlem knew the relationship with my family was a difficult one, so it was introduced gradually. We started with me and my dad; then with my sister; then we had a three-day family session. The days were really intense and lots of stuff came to the surface, but it could all be expressed in a contained environment – it was clear that all hell wasn’t going to break loose. I’ve had a mixed relationship with the Bethlem really. I really struggled being there at times, but it was the safest place for me to be. They always work towards you coming in voluntarily, which means you’ve got more of a choice. Lots of change came from doing this family work. And there really is no way I would have done it off my own back. I owe a lot of gratitude to the place. I may have given up on myself at times, but they never did. “It’s taken a long time, but now I’m very removed from being ill” The staff at the Bethlem really got to know me well and knew a way to work with me and my family. It was tough at the time, but it worked. I’ll probably never be as I was before I became ill... but we all have our own idiosyncrasies, don’t we. It’s OK. 31 South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust Melanie “Anorexic... me? No way” Thin, yes. But anorexic, never. I was a dancer. With hindsight, I think I’d been ill for a long time, but at the time I wouldn’t be told. I ducked, dived and lied... anything to keep out of hospital. Admitting something was wrong would be admitting failure and I didn’t want that. I wanted to be perfect. My first contact with services was when I was 16. The problems started long before then, but I quickly learnt to hide and cover up the illness I refused to be associated with. This went on for years. I ran from services, never really committing, but I grew tired and was struggling to cover things up. A friend took me to outpatients in October, and that November I had an emergency admission. “It all seemed so drastic – so extreme and unnecessary” I still didn’t want to give in... didn’t want to admit anything. I thought I could persuade everyone – the doctors, nurses, my family and friends – that I didn’t have a problem. I certainly didn’t need to be locked away. It wasn’t working though and I lacked the energy to fight. I agreed to a voluntary admission because a section was the only alternative. My new plan: I’d put on weight and leave a.s.a.p. I was still in control. “I wasn’t sick like the others” 32 The first couple of months felt like a daze. I wondered ‘why am I here?’ I’d been holding down a good job in the City before, travelling into London every day. I felt lucky in comparison to the others and didn’t feel I had the characteristics of someone I’d associate with an eating disorder. I hated it. I hated the system. I hated that I had no control. I felt the whole unit – the staff, the other patients, the rules – were against me. I resented being kept there. I resented being trapped with no space to breathe. And this resentment pushed me into trying to break and dodge the rules. It was a long time before I realised I needed to put something into the programme myself. “They work damn hard to get people out of their traps, but it takes time to build up trust” As soon as I changed my approach, the staff gave me the support back ten times over. The combination of people there is really helpful. There’s someone to talk to anytime day or night if you need it. It was a good while before l started to talk about things that weren’t just all rosy though. I’ve always been social, but didn’t speak about anything too deep. One nurse kept prodding. She was the worst... the strictest... I used to avoid her. She didn’t stop, so I started with one or two things from under the exterior. Actually, I trusted and respected her and some difficult things started coming out. That’s when I felt others started understanding where I was coming from. National Services: Eating Disorders Service, Inpatient Unit I was also speaking to a psychologist on a regular basis, which was really useful. I hadn’t spoken to someone regularly like that before. I was developing self-awareness, understanding and skills to equip myself with healthier ways to cope. “We were all going through our own journeys” Talking was starting to help, but I was emotional and upset and couldn’t see why. I was always busy before, so I never had free time like I did there. I had nothing and that was hard to cope with. Art was suggested as part of the occupational therapy programme. At first I thought the idea was patronising, but then started to enjoy it. It kept me grounded and away from the compulsion to exercise. It gave me a purpose and I started to feel more like a person than an illness in other peoples’ eyes. “The friends I made there got me through” I think I just wanted to make others better at first, but I started focusing on myself and it got to the point where I was extremely vulnerable. It was horrendous opening up actually. I was speaking about things I never wanted to address. I’d shoved these things in the deepest closet, right at the back. Before, when I was upset, I didn’t eat so I could control the situation. It’s draining going through your own experiences, but if I hadn’t my problems would have remained. I built up a good relationship with the others and still meet up with them today. “I have a different philosophy now” Since leaving, I’ve been working as an intern at Crisis, the national charity for homeless people, which I love. I have a boyfriend; I’ve been on several holidays; I’m doing an art A-Level this year, and have applied to university. I’ve changed my priorities a lot. I had a very rigid career path before, driven by money, success and prestige. I was doing well on paper, but life’s too short for all of that. I’ll always be me: someone who’s passionate, energetic and not happy just doing a nine-to-five job. But I’m more laid back now. I don’t need such a structure or plan. I’m focused, but it’s channelled in a different direction. “Without the admission, I’d still be running down that same road” I didn’t always agree with the people there – so much felt unfair and there was so much I couldn’t understand – but I realise now that it had to happen. I could have died and the service gave me the courage to pull myself out. It was the catalyst to take stock, draw a line under the past and start over. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.... it really tore me apart. But they didn’t leave me in a mess. They pulled me back together and made me stronger than ever. I had to go through that situation. I needed that group of people and was really lucky I went through it all with so much help. Amazing. 33 South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust Referring to the unit Referrals are accepted from NHS consultant psychiatrists. All referrals to the inpatient service require funding authorisation from the relevant primary care trust. A21 4 U p per Elm ers En R d Lin ks y Wa S E den Pa rk Road B 230 Eden Park Rail oa Eating Disorders Service Inpatient Unit Tyson West 2 Bethlem Royal Hospital Monks Orchard Road Beckenham BR3 3BX A2 Bethlem Royal Hospital 14 T: 020 3228 4402 F: 020 3228 4995 [email protected] d S Ed en Pa rk Ro Roa d ad en ks O rch ck a rd Be West Wickham Rail m Mon ha Ro ad ickham Road A232 W 34 High no rP a rk Ro tion Road Ma ad S t re e t s w o o d C re s c e n t Sta Ra v en A2 32 Printed on Soporset by Crucial Colour Photography: David Hares Design: Piers Rutterford Published: March 2010 Eating Disorders Service Inpatient Unit Tyson West 2 Bethlem Royal Hospital Monks Orchard Road Beckenham BR3 3BX » The aim is simple; to help each patient with their recovery, using the most current, evidence-based therapies available to us. Our eating disorders service strives to provide treatment to people at all stages of their illness. « Professor Janet Treasure