How long do you have to wait to access treatment for an eating disorder in England?
Longer than you might imagine, according to newly published NHS data, which shows waiting times of up to 182 days; a worrying statistic given the severity of illnesses such as anorexia.
The data also showed that since 2012, 1,576 people, from 41 of 55 NHS trusts, have waited 18 weeks to see a specialist. A total of 742 waited for 26 weeks, while 99 waited a year. In response, the eating disorder charity Beat has said that early intervention is critical.
What are your experiences of being treated for an eating disorder? We want to hear about the time it took to get help and also about the type of treatment you’ve received. Have you found treatment helpful in the long-term?
We’re also keen to hear about how anorexia manifests in adults, an area that’s often overlooked. Is it harder to get help? Tell us your stories by filling in the form below.
