AEDS
Assessment clinics
We take time to understand the difficulties that you are facing in the context of your wider life experiences to help build a treatment plan that meets your needs.
Once your referral has been received and processed we will write to you and invite you to telephone in to book an appointment in one of our assessment clinics. You will need to allow between 1.5 to 2 hours for the assessment.
Assessment clinics are held on Wednesdays remotely.
Cambridge
S3 Outpatients Department, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ.
The assessment will involve you meeting a member of the team who will take you through a detailed interview to gather information about your eating patterns, compensatory behaviours (such as restriction, exercise, and/or purging) and any weight/shape concerns. We will also ask you questions about your current situation; such as who you live with and what you do to occupy yourself. We will also ask about your background and any previous medical history. This information helps us get to know you better, understand the problem and consider suitable treatment options for you.
This interview usually lasts about one hour. After the interview we take a break and then we meet with you again after about 20 to 30 minutes to discuss your diagnosis and treatment options. This discussion allows us to develop a treatment plan to meet your needs, so you leave the appointment knowing what the next step will be. Following the assessment we will summarise our discussions and plan in a letter, a copy of this letter will also be sent to those involved in your care (e.g. your GP). If psychological treatment is recommended, you will be placed on the waiting list and will be allocated to one of our community therapists as soon as one becomes available.
We frequently have medical and psychology students sitting in on the assessment clinics. If you would prefer not to have a student present during your assessment, we would be grateful if you could advise us of this on your arrival.
As a patient, relative or carer using our services, sometimes you may need to turn to someone for help, advice, and support.