Long and short-term residential bulimia treatment for children, teens and young adults
Bulimia is a severe eating disorder that is prevalent among children and teenagers. This psychiatric disorder is characterised by recurring episodes of binge eating followed by purging or other compensatory behaviours, such as fasting or misuse of laxatives and diuretics.
Given its prevalence among young individuals, it's essential to address bulimia promptly and effectively. We offer specialised residential and inpatient treatment facilities designed to cater to the unique needs of children, teens, and young adults with bulimia. Our comprehensive approach addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of the disorder.
Our residential treatment facilities provide a nurturing environment for children, teens, and young adults to regain healthier eating habits and work through the psychological underpinnings of their condition.
How our bulimia treatment centre in Birmingham helps children, teens and young people
We have more than 37 years of experience treating eating disorders and mental health issues at Schoen Clinic. We are dedicated to improving the lives of those impacted by eating disorders like bulimia and raising awareness of their effects. Our bulimia specialists in Birmingham provide highly specialised inpatient/residential, outpatient, and daycare treatment for children, teens and young people with bulimia.
Our aim is to provide timely and effective intervention, empowering children, teens and young adults to overcome bulimia's challenges and work towards restoring wellbeing. By addressing the underlying factors contributing to the disorder and offering targeted therapeutic strategies, we're committed to helping young individuals regain control over their lives.
When it comes to bulimia, early intervention is key. Our residential and inpatient treatment facilities offer a safe place to children, teens, and young adults, guiding them towards a healthier and brighter future.
Our multidisciplinary team of experts (unique in the private healthcare sector) are leaders in their respective fields and collaborate to provide children and adolescents with bulimia with clinically advanced and outcome-focused treatment pathways. This approach ensures each of the treatments we provide helps to address the various factors that contribute to an eating disorder.
Our teams also collaborate with patients and their families to deliver the most efficient care with a high rate of recovery.
To get started with private treatment, simply fill out our online pre-screening questionnaire any time to suit you. Click here.
Diagnosing bulimia nervosa in children, teens and young people
Bulimia Nervosa, commonly known as bulimia, is a potentially life-threatening eating disorder that impacts people's mental, physical, and emotional health. It primarily affects young individuals, who are often diagnosed during their adolescent years.
Diagnosing bulimia in young individuals is complex and requires a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach. Our MDT at Schoen Clinic Newbridge consists of a variety of bulimia specialists to ensure a thorough and accurate diagnosis can be made (if a diagnosis has not already been established).
A comprehensive medical evaluation should first rule out any underlying physical health conditions that could explain the symptoms. Once physical conditions are ruled out, a psychological evaluation is necessary to determine the presence of bulimia.
At our bulimia treatment centre in Birmingham, we use a variety of assessment tools and procedures to diagnose bulimia. These include:
Clinical interview: The healthcare professional may conduct a clinical interview with the patient and family members to gather information about the patient's eating behaviours, medical history, and mental health history.
Psychological testing: Psychological tests can help detect bulimia or other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which are commonly associated with bulimia.
Physical health assessment: A physical examination and laboratory tests can determine whether physical conditions, such as an underactive thyroid or diabetes, could be causing the patient's symptoms.
Nutrition assessment: A nutritionist or dietitian may assess the patient's nutritional status, eating behaviours, and patterns to identify any nutrient deficiencies and malnutrition.
Challenges in diagnosing bulimia
Diagnosing bulimia in young individuals can be a challenge because the disorder often goes undetected due to the stigma surrounding mental health and the reluctance of young people to seek help. If you suspect a loved one may have bulimia it's essential to seek help as soon as possible. You can complete our private patient pre-screening questionnaire at any time to suit you and our team will get in touch with you the same day or the next working day.
Another challenge in diagnosing bulimia is identifying the correct diagnosis. Bulimia can often mimic other eating disorders or medical conditions, that's why our bulimia specialists in Birmingham are thorough in their assessment to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Early detection and timely interventions can help prevent bulimia from developing into a severe and potentially life-threatening condition, which can have lasting effects on a young person's physical and emotional well-being.
Our leading bulimia specialists have extensive knowledge and experience in diagnosing and treating bulimia. If you're concerned about a loved one, call our caring team direct on +44 20 4579 2533 or contact us to discuss treatment options.
The diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa
The diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa are outlined by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE). To be diagnosed with bulimia, an individual must meet the following criteria:
- Recurrent episodes of binge eating, characterised by eating an excessive amount of food within a discrete period, accompanied by a lack of control over eating during the episode
- Recurrent compensatory behaviour(s) to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, fasting, or misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or other medications
- The binge-eating and compensatory behaviours both occur, on average, at least once a week for three months
- Self-evaluation that is unduly influenced by body shape and weight
- The disturbance does not occur exclusively during episodes of anorexia nervosa
- The bulimia symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder or medical condition.
Who is at risk of bulimia?
Bulimia typically affects females and first manifests in adolescence. Yet men can also be impacted by it.
People with bulimia are more likely to come from families who have had eating disorders, physical illness, and other mental health issues in the past.
At Schoen Clinic Newbridge, boys aged 14 to 17 may be assessed for inpatient teen male bulimia treatment or daycare treatment.
Bulimia treatment in Birmingham
Bulimia in children, teens and young people is a complex mental illness that requires a multidisciplinary approach to management. Timely intervention and a combination of psychological, medical, and nutritional interventions can help children and young people with bulimia to live a healthy life. It's essential to encourage young people to seek help, reduce stigma, and promote successful treatment outcomes.
At Schoen Clinic Newbridge in Birmingham, we provide comprehensive bulimia treatment that combines psychotherapy, medical care, and family involvement. Our bulimia specialists work with parents and families to develop personalised treatment plans for young people with bulimia to ensure the best possible outcomes from treatment.
If you're concerned that your child may have bulimia please get in touch with our team as soon as possible to access our highly specialised treatment.
Inpatient, outpatient, daycare and short-stay bulimia treatment options for teens
Numerous experts agree that eating disorders are a form of coping technique in which individuals use their control over food to deal with challenging emotions and other situations.
We recognise that each person is unique and that many different things might lead to a young child developing bulimia. That's why our bulimia treatment is personalised for each patient.
Depending on the age of the young person and the stage of bulimia development, we provide a number of treatment pathways at our bulimia treatment facility in Birmingham.
- Inpatient bulimia treatment - Children and teens with severely developed bulimia will usually be best suited to inpatient treatment.
- Daycare bulimia treatment - Children and teens who need highly specialised bulimia treatment, but don't require round-the-clock care may benefit from our daycare programme.
- Short-term residential bulimia support - for children and teens (aged 8-18)
Whatever the stage of bulimia development, our bulimia specialists in Birmingham are on hand to support you. Call our team today on +44 20 4579 2533 or contact us today.
To get started with private treatment, simply fill out our online pre-screening questionnaire any time to suit you. Click here.
Our approach to highly specialised bulimia treatment
At Schoen Clinic Newbridge, our treatment programme has an overall structure of learning how to eat normally and developing more helpful ways of expressing emotions.
Individuals complete the programme at a pace negotiated between the young person and key workers, taking into account physical health and wellbeing.
All treatment plans will include the following common elements:
- Monitoring and management of physical and mental state
- Weight restoration as determined by MDT
- Group and individual therapies of young person’s own notes
- Regular meetings with key nurse and co-worker
- Family meetings and therapy where this is appropriate
- Care Programme Approach meetings and other review meetings as appropriate.
We've made it our Purpose to provide the best individualised specialist care for every patient, helping people feel better and recover faster. At Schoen Clinic, we want to help people get back to their normal life as soon as possible so we tailor our treatments to the needs of each patient.
All elements of the programme can be adapted to suit individual needs, in discussion with our team of leading bulimia specialists. An initial treatment plan will be agreed upon before any treatment commences.
To get started with private treatment, simply fill out our online pre-screening questionnaire any time to suit you. Click here.
Bulimia treatment for children and young people at Schoen Clinic Newbridge
One of the most effective treatments for bulimia in children, teens and young people is a combination of psychotherapy, medical care, and family involvement.
Psychological treatments are the cornerstone in the management of bulimia.
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is the gold standard psychological treatment for bulimia. It focuses on addressing the cognitive and behavioural aspects of the disorder. CBT aims to help children and young people identify and challenge dysfunctional thoughts and beliefs related to food, weight, and body image. It also teaches them healthy eating habits, coping skills, and stress management techniques.
- Family-based therapy (FBT) is another effective psychological treatment that involves family members in the therapy process.
- Medical treatments may be necessary for severe cases of bulimia. Medications such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and anti-anxiety drugs may be prescribed to help manage associated mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Medical monitoring is also necessary to ensure that young people with bulimia are not experiencing electrolyte imbalances or other medical complications.
- Nutritional interventions aim to help children and young people achieve a healthy relationship with food. Nutritional counselling, meal planning, and nutrition education can help young people develop healthy eating habits, eliminate dangerous diets, and avoid binge eating. Nutritional interventions at Schoen Clinic Newbridge are carried out by our Dietitians with experience in treating eating disorders.
Specialised bulimia treatment for children, teens and young people in Birmingham
Schoen Clinic Newbridge is a 34-bed specialist eating disorder hospital for young people aged 8-18. Our hospital was specifically created to provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere for young people.
There are three separate ward areas: the ‘Nest’ for the younger age group, the main ward for the older age group and the ‘Independent’ for older patients nearing the end of their treatment. We have an excellent mix of therapy rooms, lounges and light and airy circulation areas at Schoen Clinic Newbridge.
There is also a sizable garden, which offers a tranquil, natural area.
There is a special kitchen and eating space for occupational therapy where young people can practise cooking and families can eat together. Our on-site school has three designated classrooms with full computer labs where our young people can use the internet under adult supervision.
There are comfortable lounges containing wall-mounted smart televisions with age-appropriate TV or DVD viewing, along with CD players and an assortment of books, games and puzzles.
Parking is available on-site, and we are close to roads, trains, and other modes of public transportation. Our team members serve all of the freshly cooked meals that is made on the premises by our own chefs.
We're a national centre of excellence for highly specialised bulimia treament
Although our bulimia treatment centre is in Birmingham, we accept patients from all across the UK for specialised bulimia therapy. We regularly treat patients from outside the area because we provide highly specialised, leading treatments for eating disorders like bulimia nervosa.
We are a part of Schoen Clinic UK Group, a hospital group that has won awards for its expertise in treating eating disorders and mental health issues.
In addition to our specialist hospital for children and young people in Birmingham, Schoen Clinic also operates an outpatient eating disorder and mental health clinic in Chelsea, London, and a highly specialised hospital for adults with eating disorders in York.
Our multidisciplinary team (MDT) of bulimia specialists
Individuals receiving bulimia treatment at our hospital in Birmingham will be under the care of our extensive multidisciplinary team. This ensures each person undergoing treatment for bulimia will have access to a team of highly experienced experts in the field of eating disorders. The team includes:
- Consultant Psychiatrists
- Psychologists (and Assistant Psychologists)
- Nurses (Lead, Senior Staff Nurses)
- Dietitians
- Dietetic Assistants
- Family Therapists and Parent Practitioners
- Occupational Therapists
- CBT Therapists
- Healthcare Assistants
- Social Workers
Our award-winning treatment centre for bulimia
Schoen Clinic Newbridge is an internationally renowned hospital for children and young people with eating disorders (8-25 years) in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham.
We know that eating disorders have numerous, frequently complicated causes and that all young people require individualised assessment and care from a team of highly qualified professionals.
Understanding the profound impact it has on everyone involved, we offer a variety of ongoing support to the families of the young people we treat. Families play a crucial part in helping patients receive treatment and achieve long-term rehabilitation.
Rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and named Hospital of the Year 2021 at the LaingBuisson Awards, our hospital offers inpatient, daycare and outpatient services to young people experiencing bulimia - in a calm and welcoming environment.
We also featured in a recent BBC Three documentary highlighting the potential impact of social media influencers on young people with eating disorders, "Zara McDermott: Disordered Eating".
Patient testimonial - December 2022
"I came to Schoen Clinic Newbridge with no desire to get better, thinking I would never reach recovery.
I left with hope for my future and the knowledge that I can do anything I put my mind to. Schoen Clinic Newbridge saved my life, I’m now living my life to the fullest, doing things I never thought I’d be able to.
The staff are unbelievable people who go above and beyond for the patients.
Thank you so much Schoen Clinic Newbridge, you have a special place in my heart, you’ve saved countless lives and don’t get enough credit for all you do!"
Ready to access highly specialised bulimia treatment in Birmingham?
Recovery from bulimia is possible and our caring team of eating disorder specialists in Birmingham are here to help.
With the aid of specialised one-on-one and group therapy, our multidisciplinary team of specialists at Schoen Clinic Newbridge can help you get back to healthier eating patterns and often reverse the harmful side effects brought on by the eating disorder itself.
Schoen Clinic Newbridge welcomes NHS and privately funded patients for highly specialised eating disorder treatment. Call our caring team direct on +44 20 4579 2830 or contact us today.
To get started with private treatment, simply fill out our online pre-screening questionnaire any time to suit you. Click here.
