Scroll Down
The Early Intervention for Disordered Eating (EIDE) Program, provided by Think Mental Health, is designed to provide prevention-based support for people in the ACT aged 12 and over who are identified as at risk of developing an eating disorder. It is an early intervention service for those with disordered eating, body image issues or insecure relationships with food. The EIDE program was launched in April 2022 as surge support to meet the increased demand for disordered eating services, with over 4% of the ACT population suffering from one or more diagnosed eating disorders and many more exhibiting early signs of disordered eating thoughts and behaviours.
The EIDE program provides services across dietetics and psychology, in group and individual formats. In addition, the program provides capacity building for interested mental health clinicians working in this area across the ACT sector, in partnership with the InsideOut Institute. While the EIDE program has only been operating for a few months, it has demonstrated positive outcomes and high satisfaction from people who have used the program. Over 90% of service users surveyed report being satisfied with the services they received from the EIDE program. In addition, the capacity building stream has been successful with staff across the ACT mental health sector receiving disordered eating-specific group supervision facilitated by a subject matter expert, ensuring staff are well supported, skilled and capable of providing high quality health care to consumers.
Client story
Clare* (not their real name) was referred by a private psychologist to the EIDE Program. An assessment was completed by an intake worker, including use of the InsideOut Institute screening tool which is designed to assess broad eating disorder risk and symptomatology. Clare reported concerns around the shape of her body and a ‘very problematic’ relationship with food.
Clare joined the Body in Mind Group and completed all five weekly sessions. She noted improvements in her relationship with her body at the completion of the group. She reported going for more walks and starting to ride her horse again. She reported more positive self-talk towards her body and enforcing positive body image talk with her friends.
The EIDE program liaised with their dietetics partner Fuel Your Life and linked Clare in with an individual dietitian. She has received four sessions with a local dietitian and will continue with this component of the program.
