PRIVATE TREATMENT FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS WITH ANOREXIA NERVOSA | ANOREXIA TREATMENT CENTRE IN LONDON

Specialised treatment for children, teenagers and young people in London with anorexia

Anorexia, also known as anorexia nervosa, is a severe eating illness that can affect people of any age, however, it tends to initially develop in children and adolescents. It is marked by severe restrictions on food and a strong fear of gaining weight.

When a child, teen, or young person has anorexia, they often experience physical, emotional, and social difficulties. These difficulties, particularly physical, can have serious consequences, including in the worst cases, death.

The good news is that there are various effective anorexia therapies for children and teenagers that can support the return to better eating habits and deal with psychological concerns.

How our London anorexia treatment centre helps children, teenagers and young people recover

At Schoen Clinic, we have more than 37 years of experience treating eating disorders and mental health problems. We are dedicated to improving the lives of those touched by eating disorders and increasing awareness of their effects. Our anorexia specialists in London provide highly specialised outpatient treatment for children and teens with anorexia.

Our multidisciplinary team of specialists (unique in private healthcare) collaborates to offer children and adolescents with anorexia clinically advanced treatment pathways. This strategy makes sure that each of the therapies we offer addresses the numerous aspects that lead to an eating disorder, to give the best possible chances of long-term recovery.

Our teams also collaborate with patients and their families to deliver the most efficient care with a high rate of recovery. We offer a confidential, compassionate, and non-judgmental environment where families can express their concerns freely. Early intervention can significantly improve the chances of a full recovery, so don't delay in contacting our team today.

To get started with private treatment, simply fill out our online pre-screening questionnaire any time to suit you.

Diagnosing anorexia nervosa in children and teens

A full assessment from qualified healthcare professionals with experience treating eating disorders is crucial for children and teens with anorexia to obtain the best possible care and support.

An accurate diagnosis of anorexia requires careful consideration of a number of variables. In order to ascertain whether a young person meets the diagnostic standards for anorexia, our anorexia specialists in London conduct a full clinical assessment as set forth by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

Significantly low body weight, as determined by the individual's age, gender, height, and other characteristics, is one of the key diagnostic criteria for anorexia. The Body Mass Index (BMI) of a person is typically calculated to evaluate whether their weight significantly deviates from the normal range.

A distorted view or body image is a crucial diagnostic indicator for anorexia. An individual may exhibit this by overemphasising certain bodily regions, such as their stomach, hips, or thighs, or by believing they are heavier or larger than they are. Low self-worth, low self-esteem, and anxiety are additional side effects of this warped body image.

Does my child need treatment for anorexia?

As a concerned parent, it's imperative to be vigilant about your child's eating habits and overall well-being. Anorexia is a serious condition that affects many teenagers and young adults and can have a significant impact on their physical and mental health. Early intervention and treatment can make all the difference in overcoming the disorder and preventing long-term health complications.

At our anorexia treatment centre in London, we have a team of highly skilled anorexia specialists who are dedicated to providing their expertise and support to families who suspect their child may be suffering from anorexia. Our team has extensive experience in identifying the early signs and symptoms of anorexia, and we are well-equipped to provide an accurate diagnosis and develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your child's individual needs.

Our anorexia specialists in London address more than just weight

Although changes in weight and how one feels about one's body are important signs of anorexia, other aspects must also be taken into account.

An important component of the diagnostic procedure is mental health evaluations, which can aid in locating other psychological conditions like depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder that may be precursors to the development of anorexia.

Physical examinations are crucial in the diagnosis of anorexia, in addition to behavioural and psychological tests. This may entail examining the person's physical appearance for any indications of malnutrition, such as hair loss or dry skin, as well as evaluating their general health, including their vital signs, blood pressure, and heart rate.

ANOREXIA TREATMENT OPTIONS

How is anorexia treated in children?

At our highly specialised outpatient clinic in London, we believe in a multidisciplinary approach to treating anorexia in children and teenagers, addressing not only the physical symptoms but also the underlying psychological and emotional factors that contribute to the disorder. Our team of experienced professionals includes psychiatrists, psychologists, dietitians, and other specialists who work collaboratively to provide the best possible care for our patients.

One of the keys to successfully treating anorexia in children and teens is early intervention. The sooner the disorder is identified and addressed, the better the chances for a full recovery. Therefore, we prioritise timely and accurate diagnosis as part of our treatment process. Our team works closely with families, schools, and other medical professionals to gather the necessary information to make an accurate diagnosis and develop a personalised treatment plan.

To get started with private treatment, simply fill out our online pre-screening questionnaire any time to suit you.

Treatment for children, teens and young adults in London

The first stage of treatment for anorexia is typically medical stabilisation to address potentially life-threatening complications such as malnutrition, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.

Once patients are medically stable, our team focuses on addressing the underlying psychological and emotional issues that contribute to the disorder. This may include individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, and other forms of psychotherapy designed to help patients develop a healthier relationship with food and their body, as well as address any underlying anxiety or depression.

In addition to psychotherapy, nutrition plays a critical role in the treatment of anorexia. Our team includes registered dietitians who work closely with patients and families to develop individualised meal plans that meet patients' nutritional needs and support recovery.

This may involve gradually increasing the amount and variety of foods patients eat, as well as educating patients and families about healthy nutrition and optimal health.

Long-term recovery from anorexia often requires ongoing support and maintenance. Our team provides ongoing monitoring and follow-up care to ensure patients continue to progress and maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. This may include regular check-ins, support groups, and other resources to help patients sustain their recovery.

Get in touch with our team and start your treatment journey today.

Our approach to highly specialised teen anorexia treatment in London

Our treatment strategy at Schoen Clinic Chelsea is built around two main goals: gaining the ability to eat regularly and creating more constructive ways to express emotions.

The pace at which each individual completes the course of treatment is decided upon by the young person and key professionals while also taking into account their physical health and wellbeing.

Our mission is to give each patient the best specialised care possible, allowing them to feel better and recover faster. At Schoen Clinic, we personalise our therapies to meet the needs of each patient because we want to help individuals return to their normal lives as quickly as possible.

All elements of treatment can be adapted to suit individual needs, in discussion with our team of leading anorexia specialists. An initial treatment plan will be agreed upon before any treatment commences.

Throughout treatment, emphasis is placed on psychological change through psychological therapies, accompanied by managed weight restoration.

Anorexia treatment for children and teens at Schoen Clinic Chelsea

Treatment plans typically include the following common elements:

Monitoring and management of physical and mental state
Weight restoration as determined by MDT
Group and individual therapies
One-toone counselling
Regular meetings with keyworker
Family meetings and therapy where this is appropriate

Combining psychotherapy, medical care, and family support is one of the best ways to treat anorexia in children and teens.

Family-Based Treatment (FBT), which engages the entire family in the treatment process, is one of the most often employed therapies. This therapy helps patients feel more confident in themselves, recognise flawed thought patterns and improve their interactions with food. It is especially helpful when treating children and adoelescents under the age of 18.

When treating teenage anorexia, psychotherapy can also be a helpful technique. Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) can teach people how to control their emotions and create healthy coping mechanisms, while cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can help patients recognise and change harmful thought and behaviour patterns.

Start your treatment journey today. For fast access to exceptional private healthcare at Schoen Clinic Chelsea, you can use your health insurance or simply fund your own treatment. Call our caring team direct on +44 20 4571 7452 or email us today.

Specialised anorexia treatment for children, teens and young adults in London

To support the recovery of children, teens and young adults with anorexia, our private outpatient anorexia centre in London offers:

A light, modern environment
Six consultation spaces
Three rooms for group therapy
A spacious patient lounge
A relaxation space
A contemporary training kitchen with all the necessary amenities to aid adults with eating disorders.

Our multidisciplinary team (MDT) of anorexia specialists

Individuals receiving anorexia treatment at our private outpatient clinic in London will be under the care of our extensive multidisciplinary team. This ensures each young person undergoing treatment for anorexia has access to a team of highly experienced experts in the field of eating disorders. Our team includes:

Consultant Psychiatrists
Psychologists (and Assistant Psychologists)
Dietitians
Dietetic Assistants
Occupational Therapists
CBT Therapists

Emily's story

"Everybody’s experiences leading up to, and during treatment is different. For me, it wasn’t just learning to perceive food in a different way, but I needed to confront my obsessive perfectionism and the overwhelming anxiety I suffered with.

Through working with dietitians who helped dispel my incorrect beliefs surrounding food; also an occupational therapist from whom I learnt techniques using RODBT (Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy - it sounds a lot scarier than it really is!), I began to make steady progress."

Our award-winning treatment centre for anorexia in London

Schoen Clinic Chelsea is part of an award-winning international hospital group, with an enviable reputation for providing exceptional treatments for children and teens with anorexia.

Nestled in a discreet location in the heart of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, our child and teen anorexia clinic has long provided assistance to people from all across London and the surrounding areas.

Along with our private outpatient clinic for children and teens with anorexia in London, Schoen Clinic also has a highly specialised hospital for children and young people in Birmingham and a specialised eating disorders hospital for adults in York.

Parent testimonial - January 2023

"During the course of the 4+ months that our daughter attended the clinic, she received structured care which supported not only her but us as well. The experience of the team and Dr Buckley in particular, who was calm and reassuring whilst also firm gave us and our daughter confidence, and working with Tom she made steady progress.

We benefitted from connecting with other parents sharing similar experiences, and we learnt skills and techniques which helped us to manage better at home.

I have no hesitation in recommending the clinic to families who have a young person afflicted by an eating disorder. The structure of the day, expert clinical oversight and regular counselling sessions provided our daughter with what she needed to set her firmly on the path to recovery.

We remain very grateful to all the clinic staff for their professional approach and dedication. I only wish such clinics were available more widely to enable more young people to benefit."

Our child and teen anorexia specialists in London

Our anorexia specialists in London work together as a multidisciplinary team for the benefit of each patient. Consisting of Consultant Psychiatrists, specialist eating disorder therapists, Psychotherapists, Psychologists and Dietitian, our specialists have extensive experience in treating children, teenagers and young people with anorexia and work with you to ensure you get the best possible outcome from treatment.