Clinical and socio-demographic characteristics of university students referred to an eating disorders service

Abstract

This study describes the socio-demographic characteristics and eating disorders symptomatology of university students assessed by a specialised NHS eating disorders service in the UK over a 4-year period. Information was gathered on past treatment history, source of referral, details of university and course of study, whether the patient was still open to the service or discharged, and if the patient had dropped out of contact from services. The study also describes the diagnosis of the assessed patients as well as the results of the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and Revised Symptom Check List 90 (SCL-90-R) questionnaires. The study shows that the university students attending an eating disorder service often suffer from severe conditions, which are generally well-established before they start their university studies. The study discusses the implication of those results in service delivery and future service development.