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Understanding the link between gender identity and disordered eating. If you need support, please don't hesitate to contact our caring team today . The majority of us identify as one gender or the other based on our biological sex. This isn't always the case, though. A person is considered transgender if their gender identity differs from the gender society typically associates with the sex they were assigned at birth. People who identify as a different gender than the one they were given at birth are referred to as "transgender." People whose gender identity matches the gender they were given at birth are referred to as "cisgender." People who identify as nonbinary, agender, genderqueer, Two-Spirit, or any other non-binary gender fall within the transgender category. The relationship between the experience of transgender people and eating disorders is not yet fully understood as research into the subject has been limited. Various studies have shown that eating disorders are more common in the LGBTQ+ community than in the general population, but few have explicitly examined how common eating disorders are in the transgender community. Often studies will group transgender people with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and queer people, but due to the distinction between gender identity and sexual orientation, this can result in a confusion of findings. Transgender people can be of any sexual orientation. In our service at Schoen Clinic Newbridge, we have experience of working with young people who have an eating disorder together with a gender identity which is different to their assigned identity from birth (or expressed difficulties with their biological gender). Through our work with a small cohort of patients, we can make some observations about issues raised and the treatment pathway. Are eating disorders common in transgender people? There has been minimal study on transgender communities, with the majority of studies on eating disorders and disordered eating focusing on cisgender women. However, nearly 300,000 college students in the United States (including students who identified as transgender) were involved in a comprehensive study regarding eating disorders and coping mechanisms that was published in the Journal of Adolescent Health [1]; in the findings, transgender college students reported having disordered eating at a rate that was around four times higher than that of their cisgender counterparts. Additionally, compared to their cisgender peers, the transgender adolescents who took part in the survey reported considerably greater rates of compensatory behaviours (like using diet pills). Transgender vs. cisgender eating disorder figures Percentage of college students reported receiving an eating disorder diagnosis in the last year. [1] 0.55% cisgender heterosexual men 1.85% cisgender heterosexual women 2.06% cisgender sexual minority men 3.52% cisgender sexual minority women 15% transgender Reported eating disorders were higher amount LGB (lesbian, gay and bisexual) people than straight (heterosexual) people, but the figures are significantly higher in transgender people. Why are transgender people at higher risk of developing an eating disorder? Eating disorders are difficult illnesses with several underlying factors. There are a variety of reasons why a transgender person could develop an eating issue, such as: Managing their stress or trauma as a result of the violence or prejudice they have endured due of their transgender identity Attempting to provide each or both genders certain qualities Attempting to follow a male or female "ideal" The Journal of Adolescent Health claims that there is a logical explanation for why eating disorders are a greater problem for transgender people than cisgender people, namely the fact that body dissatisfaction is one of the strongest predictors of developing an eating disorder while gender embodiment or presentation is crucial for many transgender people. Although not all transgender people want to transform their bodies, some do so through hormone replacement treatment, gender confirmation surgery, or other procedures that give them more masculine or feminine traits. However, some transgender people begin with dieting and exercise as the less expensive and intrusive choice, and this can result in harmful, disordered habits as they strive to achieve their desired look. Puberty, identity and eating disorders Puberty delay In the UK, the current average age for the onset of puberty is age 11 for girls and age 12 for boys (with a pattern of average onset becoming progressively younger over time).  Puberty is defined as delayed in girls if there is no menstruation by the age of 16 and no breast development by age 13. In boys, puberty is considered to be delayed if there are no signs of testicular development by the age of 14. One of the many different causes for puberty to be delayed is anorexia nervosa . This is because, in a state of severe undernourishment, the body chooses which functions are essential to life, shutting down less critical functions. The hypothalamus, the part of the brain which regulates functions suppresses the hormonal fluctuations which regulate sexual development and puberty. In girls, this is expressed by what is described as primary amenorrhea (periods not starting by the age of 16), or in girls who have started to menstruate, secondary amenorrhea (periods are missed for three consecutive months). In boys, the impact on puberty and sexual development may not be as easily recognisable but is likely to manifest in the delayed or slow progression of puberty, reduced sexual drive and poor height gain. It is widely recognised that the onset of adolescence and puberty is a time of change, search for identity and often, increased anxiety and conflict. If gender identity is difficult and being explored or challenged, this may be expressed in the adolescent’s relationship with food. A young person may deliberately restrict food intake to delay puberty because of gender identity issues. The precise causal relationship between gender identity, food restriction and anorexia nervosa will vary for each individual and require careful assessment. For other young people, the connection may be unclear; there is disordered eating and difficulty with food as part of other challenges the young person is experiencing, and these challenges may include gender identity. A specialised treatment approach It might be daunting for many transgender people to seek treatment for an eating problem because it's likely they've previously suffered some type of trauma, or prejudice for being themselves. It might be difficult to even locate a behavioural healthcare professional who upholds their fundamental rights, such as using their proper name and pronouns. People who identify as transgender have the right to care that addresses their unique issues since eating disorders impact everyone differently, regardless of gender identity. At Schoen Clinic we treat every patient as an individual, tailoring treatment to the unique needs of each person. It is important to note that during an ongoing eating disorder unless a gender identity has been well established within the young person before the development of the eating disorder, a key principle is that any new decisions about gender identity should not be taken at a low weight because cognitions are impaired. Our focus is to provide wide-ranging, personalised support for the young person as they weight restore. References [1] Diemer, E. W.; Grant, J. D.; Munn-Chernoff, M. A.; Patterson, D. A.; and Duncan, A. E. (2015). Gender identity, sexual orientation, and eating-related pathology in a national sample of college students. The Journal of Adolescent Health: Official Publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine, 57(2), 144–149. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2015.03.003. Please reach out to our caring team  at Schoen Clinic if you need support for yourself or a loved one. Our specialists in London  offer highly specialised treatments for children, teens and adults.

What is bulimia nervosa? If you need support for bulimia, please reach out to our team for help. Bulimia nervosa, often known as bulimia, is a severe eating disorder that can result in very serious complications if not treated early. People experiencing bulimia may covertly binge and purge, seeking to burn off the additional calories in an undesirable way. Binging is defined as consuming excessive amounts of food without self-control. Individuals with bulimia may also employ a range of techniques to burn calories and avoid gaining weight. For instance, following bingeing, the individual might attempt self-induced vomiting or abuse laxatives, diet pills, diuretics, or enemas. Others may try other strategies to burn calories and avoid gaining weight, such as fasting, tight dieting, or excessive overexercising. Our specialists at Schoen Clinic have been treating eating disorders for over 35 years and are highly regarded as leaders in the field of clinical research and optimised patient outcomes. If you need support with bulimia or any other eating disorder, we're here to help . Bulimia risk factors Like other eating disorders, bulimia nervosa is complex, which means that it can have a variety of underlying causes, such as genetics, neurochemical imbalances, and environmental stressors like abuse or trauma exposure. A person who is inclined to having an eating disorder is also often affected by other psychological and emotional problems, such as an anxiety condition, depression, and poor self-esteem. Understanding the underlying causes of bulimia nervosa and recognising its warning signs can help people seek out early treatment that can greatly enhance the outcomes for those who are suffering from the disorder. Since there are several contributing factors to bulimia, there are many different therapy options accessible in order to get the best possible outcome. The physical effects of bulimia nervosa Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder with physical effects on the body which are serious, harmful and if left untreated, can result in long-term problems. Although the physical effects of Anorexia Nervosa, including the condition’s mortality rate, are perhaps better recognised, the physical effects of Bulimia are multiple and should not be under-estimated. Bulimia effects can, for some, become life-threatening and certainly for many, bulimia can have a long-term health impact. The frequent, recurrent pattern of bingeing and purging that characterises bulimia can have detrimental repercussions on a person's physical health. Bulimia treatment is essential: the longer the condition persists without effective treatment, physical effects become increasingly serious and lasting. Here, we will break down the; Immediate physical signs of Bulimia Long-term physical effects of Bulimia Treatment and support Physical signs of bulimia There are a range of immediate physical effects of Bulimia. The effect on each individual will vary according to the pattern of their eating disorder and individual physiology. Physical signs can include: Russell’s sign Swollen face Tooth decay Sore throat Dehydration One of the most well-known Bulimia effects is ‘Russell’s sign’: calluses on the knuckles and hands caused when inducing vomiting as in doing so, this part of the hand scrapes against the teeth. Russell’s sign, however, is not present in all people with Bulimia; many will purge without causing this Bulimia effect and may depend on other types of purging (laxatives, over-exercising). When someone has bulimia, their outward look frequently conceals the reality that they have a harmful eating condition. Along with a host of other grave bodily symptoms, a person's oral health may deteriorate as the condition worsens. Tooth decay is closely linked to the binge-vomit cycle because the contents of the stomach are highly acidic and repeated cycles of vomiting cause tooth enamel to break down through this acidic content. Bad breath is another bulimia effect. These effects of an eating disorder vary depending on its degree and duration, but the longer an individual is affected by it, the more serious the condition becomes. People can recover and heal, as well as have the majority, but not all, of the physical effects reversed, with prompt and appropriate treatment. Often, the first person to spot bulimia symptoms is a dentist. Teeth are permanently degraded by vomiting, and they may start to darken or vary in size, shape, or length. They frequently weaken, grow more transparent, and become fragile. Gums and soft tissues in the mouth are also harmed in addition to the teeth being damaged. By inducing vomiting with fingers or any another object, those who purge may develop sores on the inside of their cheeks, on the back of their throat, or on the roof of their mouth. Face swelling is one of the bulimia effects sufferers find most distressing: At Schoen Clinic we don't use these terms but this symptom is often referred to as ‘bulimia cheeks’, ‘bulimia face’ or 'chipmunk cheeks', this swelling can make people feel their face ‘looks fat’. What is taking place is the body’s reaction to self-induced vomiting and the dehydration it causes. The body reacts by trying to hold on to as much water as possible and this is most evident in the parotid glands (around the jawline and side of the face). Warning signs of bulimia If you're worried that a friend or loved one may be bulimic it's important to know what to look out for. If you do believe they have bulimia, reach out to them in a safe, non-judgmental way to let them know you care for them, or seek advice from a specialist . It's important they get professional help as early as possible to provide them with the best chance of overcoming the condition. Characteristics to be aware of: Social exclusion Bathroom use immediately after eating Mood or personality change Avoiding eating in front of others Dental decay, receding gum lines, and yellow, painful teeth Talking about food or weight all the time Acting impulsively Excessive or recent drinking or drug usage A strong dread of gaining weight Obsession with appearance Keeping or concealing food Obsession with plain, loose-fitting apparel Calorie counting and weight tracking Body image distortion Withdrawing from the outside world Frequently weighing themself Long-term physical effects of bulimia Bulimia has a devastating impact upon the whole body in the long term, causing multiple serious effects: Electrolyte imbalance, particularly potassium Chronic fatigue Loss or disruption of menstrual cycle Bone weakness Electrolytes are electrically charged salts, or ions, used by the body to regulate hydration, together with nerve and muscle function. They are determined by hydration: how much water is present in the body. A long-term pattern of purging leaves the body’s electrolytes in a persistent imbalance, with the risk of effects on heart and kidney function. Potassium is an electrolyte (and also classified as a mineral) which is often depleted by the binge-purge cycle and is particularly important for heart function. People with bulimia should have a test of potassium levels and receive a supplement, if required because very low potassium levels can cause irregular heart rhythms and the breakdown of heart tissue fibres. Other long-term physical effects of bulimia nervosa and potential risks include menstrual cycle disruption and associated fertility problems. Chronic fatigue caused by the constant depletion of nutrients during purges is also a risk, together with future problems with bone health, due to loss of calcium. Tooth decay caused by bulimia may be permanent and difficult to treat. Gastrointestinal effects of bulimia Due to frequent vomiting, laxative usage, and/or diuretic use, those with bulimia may have a range of gastrointestinal symptoms. Gastrointestinal bleeding and reflux can be brought on by vomiting and abusing laxatives excessively. The oesophagus relaxes as a result of frequent vomiting, making it simple for the contents of the stomach to ascend up into the throat and mouth. An individual with bulimia may also involuntarily vomit if they lean over after eating or when they burp, for instance. Although rare, if the vomiting behavior isn't addressed and irritation of the esophagus becomes severe, it may result in a ruptured esophagus. Electrolyte abnormalities and dependence on laxatives are common in those who overuse laxatives. In some cases, the colon may extend and weaken as a result of binge eating and laxative usage, leading to chronic constipation. In extreme cases, some people with bulimia have permanently lost their bowel function and must use a colostomy bag for the rest of their lives. Bulimia treatment & support Fortunately, there is good, established bulimia treatment, with strong evidence for its effectiveness. Bulimia treatment is based on a CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) based approach, supporting individuals to consider the links between their thoughts, feelings and behaviour. It is a practical, problem-solving approach and in bulimia treatment, the triggers for a binge are considered and how this could be overcome by changing the pattern of thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Treatment is almost always provided in an outpatient setting (seeing a CBT therapist once a week), unless there are other problems which necessitate an inpatient admission. Group support may also be helpful. Seeking treatment for Bulimia as early as possible is very important, both in terms of reducing your risk of long-term, enduring physical side-effects and because it is recognised with Bulimia and other eating disorders, early treatment is linked to better outcomes. This is because the longer eating disorders persist, the more entrenched and difficult to treat they become. Get in touch with our caring team  at Schoen Clinic today if you need bulimia support for yourself or a loved one. Our bulimia specialists in London  offer highly specialised treatments and welcome children, teens and adults.

The rise in popularity of social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok has undoubtedly increased awareness of eating disorders. Many people have built entire online communities to share support and advice for those going through difficult mental health conditions, like disordered eating. At its best, social media helps to de-stigmatise eating disorders by encouraging people to be open about their personal struggles and embrace body positivity. On the other hand, it also opens up the doors to negative content which can, in many ways, be detrimental to the overall health and wellbeing of social media users. In this article, we’re going to look at some of the ways social media can impact eating disorders - and what can be done to protect users. Get in touch with our team today. Living through a lens - filters and edits It’s important to remember that many social media users only share the highlights of their lives. So while it may seem to the consumer that a content creator’s life is perfect all of the time, what is often seen is only a small portion of reality - and even then it could be through a filter. A 2021 study by the City University of London , ‘Changing the perfect picture’ found that 86% of participants said their social media representations didn't reflect their real life. They also said they felt pressure to project a ‘perfect life’. Some of the most common filters used by participants altered skin tone, whitened teeth or took off weight. In addition, many also used social media filters to change their physical appearance by reshaping their nose, jaw and other facial features. Filters can be fun to use from time to time but can also lead to a warped sense of self or body dysmorphia if users become overexposed to them. According to research , young adults using social media filters frequently report feeling less satisfied with their actual face and body. They judge themselves by their own filtered ‘selfies’ in addition to the "perfect" representations of peers and celebrities. This constant comparison to a filtered version of yourself or celebrities can negatively impact self-esteem and body image. Celebrity culture and influencers With the rise in the popularity of social media influencers and aspirational content, problematic behaviour on social media has also risen. Influencers are often a gateway to comparison, which can lead to more damaging thoughts and emotions. There’s a long list of celebrities and influencers who have been ‘called out’ for using filters when selling beauty products or using editing apps or software such as FaceTune or PhotoShop to alter their appearance online. The influencer community also receives regular accusations of promoting eating disorders on social media, particularly through ‘what I eat in a day’ or exercise and diet content. Whilst not all influencers post content creating false expectations for what it means to be beautiful, for those avidly consuming such content it’s often a beauty ideal which can never be achieved. And, what may seem harmless to one person, could be unintentionally triggering those who are already experiencing, or susceptible to developing an eating disorder. In a recent BBC3 documentary, Zara McDermott: Disordered Eating , former Love Island contestant and social media influencer Zara, explored the impact social media influencer content (like her own), had on young people and their relationship with their bodies and diets. Specialised eating disorder hospital, Schoen Clinic  opened its doors to Zara and the documentary makers allowing exclusive and rare access to some of their teenage patients to share their journeys . Whilst social media content may not always be the cause of an eating disorder, the patients featured in the documentary noted that feeds such as Zara’s, filled with bikini pictures, ‘what I eat in a day’ videos and photoshoots trigger a desire to lose weight and disordered thoughts surrounding eating, dieting and exercise. The documentary also took a closer look at TikTok and the speed at which the algorithm can take a user from relatively safe, healthy eating content to dangerous pro-eating disorder, or pro-ana content. But is social media really to blame for the rise in young people experiencing eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia ? With an estimated 1.25 million people in Britain living with an eating disorder, TikTok has come under fire  with many users stating that it’s fuelling the problem. Research from the Centre for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) analysed content shown on TikTik’s ‘For You Page’ and found that all users were shown eating disorder content and suicide content, sometimes very quickly. It also found that there is an entire community of eating disorder content on TikTok with more than 13 billion views, across just 56 hashtags. The Director of Mental Health at Schoen Clinic UK Group says, “As eating disorder professionals, we know that social media doesn’t cause an eating disorder - but it can fuel the concerns and further entrench disordered beliefs. We are pleased that there has been further research into this area and we support the campaigners working towards tighter controls around social media content. To be able to protect all young people from harmful material.” When does healthy living content become harmful material? For some people, ‘clean eating’ and regular exercise are a way of life and having a healthy balance between the two in an “image-obsessed social media world” is deemed by some, as a way of measuring or demonstrating success. Unfortunately, what often begins as a desire to live more healthily has the potential to develop into an eating disorder like anorexia , bulimia , or other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED) as hyper-restrictive diets masquerade as healthy ones. So-called "fitspiration" accounts are also a common trigger for disordered eating, especially in those who are vulnerable. ‘Fitspiration’ accounts are often first seen as a simple way to stay motivated and get healthy, yet the more time spent looking at other people’s “perfect bodies” or “perfect lives”, the more likely it is that such comparison will develop into feelings of inadequacy and potentially something bigger like an eating disorder or depression. This is especially true if you already struggle with self-image or self-esteem issues. As social media has transitioned from a communication tool to a way to document our lives, the concern about the negative impact this could have on self-esteem and body image has grown. A recent study by Stem4 , a teen mental health charity, found that 77% of children and young people are unhappy with how they look, with the report acknowledging social media played a significant role in this figure. We know that comparing yourself to others online can cause negative thoughts about your own appearance and may even lead to depression or anxiety , but it’s not always that simple to escape the cycle. Over the years, platforms have tried to control how users view content, however, the efficacy of such algorithm changes is yet to be determined. Updates aimed to reduce users' exposure to thinspo content have backfired with users continuing to experience a lack of control over how much exposure they get to certain topics or hashtags online. Social media and mental health It is incredibly important to be aware of the possible effects of social media on your mental health so you can make informed decisions about how much time you spend on it and what types of content you see. Research shows those who spend a large amount of time on social media are more likely than their peers to feel isolated from others in real life. This sense of loneliness created by social media may fuel an eating disorder or disordered eating. Eating disorders thrive in isolation, with secrecy often playing a big role in a sufferer's daily routine. If you struggle with an eating disorder—or know someone who does—it’s important to be aware of this connection between isolation and secrecy. What you can do to help yourself There are ways to consume social media content more healthily. It begins with increasing your awareness of the daily effects that comparison, body image and filters have on your emotions and wellbeing. Audit your selfies - consider how much time you spend editing, filtering and posting, as well as how it makes you feel. How do you feel before, during, and after editing and posting? Do you continually look for feedback and compare your photographs to others? You should aim towards a future which values your self-worth and is tolerant of your own body image, as it is. Embrace yourself as you are - keep in mind that our "flaws" are what make us unique. Appreciate yourself for all of your traits, not just the ones that can be seen in a selfie and try to practice self-compassion. You can develop genuine relationships with others in real life by developing a supportive and caring relationship with yourself. Be kind to yourself – when you edit a selfie, you're telling yourself—consciously or unconsciously—that you're not good enough as you are. If the likes and comments you seek are related to an image that doesn't accurately reflect who you are, how fulfilling are they? Try caring less about what others think of you - As Jennifer Coolidge (star of the hit Netflix show The White Lotus) recently said, “The secret to confidence is not caring.” Realistically though, your daily life does not have to be impacted by what others think of you on social media. How long you stay there is within your control. According to research , interpersonal relationships in the real world make people happier than those they interact with online. Specialist support for eating disorders Overusing social media and comparing oneself to others can lead to problems with anxiety, depression and self-esteem, or they might exacerbate pre-existing mental health difficulties or fuel disordered eating. At Schoen Clinic, we treat these issues by addressing their underlying cause whilst helping people develop positive coping mechanisms and lifestyle choices. Please reach out to our caring team  at Schoen Clinic if you need support for yourself or a loved one. Our specialists in London  offer highly specialised treatments for children, teens and adults.

Exercise is recognised as being important for physical and psychological wellbeing. It is recommended that everyone takes part in exercise for at least 30 minutes three times a week. Many people exercise much more frequently than that and their activity levels are not harmful. They may be working towards sports or aerobic goals and gain a high degree of satisfaction from their exercise. If you're concerned your exercise habits are more a symptom of disordered eating and would like some support, please reach out to our team today. How can you tell when someone is overexercising? "My daughter has always been more sporty and active than her friends. She goes to the gym every day for two hours – should I be worried?" A person who is over-exercising in a harmful way may show some or all of the following signs: They exercise regardless of all consequences – missing social activities or important school, college or work commitments. They have an emotional attachment to exercise and become extremely anxious if they miss an exercise session. The goal of exercise is to lose weight and feel worthwhile, rather than for athletic goals, enjoyment or social interaction. Their schedule is rigid and if they miss one exercise session, they will do twice the amount next time. They will exercise even if they are injured. They will exercise alone. What are the effects of overexercising? People who regularly over-exercise are at risk of the following physical side-effects and complications: Degenerative arthritis Osteoporosis Stress fractures Fatigue Breakdown of muscle mass Dehydration Cardiovascular complications There are also several social side effects of overexercising as the problem becomes a dominant influence in the sufferer’s life: Deterioration of social relationships Failure or difficulties at school, college and work due to the demands of exercise regime Social isolation Anxiety and depression Poor self-esteem and self-image Specialised treatments for eating disorders Schoen Clinic is renowned for delivering highly specialised eating disorder treatments and therapies. The effects of overexercising can exacerbate the physical and psychological symptoms associated with eating disorders, leading to severe health complications and prolonged recovery times. We have clinics for people who are suffering from anorexia, bulimia or OSFED who want effective, proven treatment. At our leading eating disorder clinic in London, Schoen Clinic Chelsea , our specialists work together as a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive, holistic treatments for children, young people and adults with eating disorders. Please reach out to our caring team  at Schoen Clinic if you need support for yourself or a loved one. Our specialists in London  offer highly specialised treatments for children, teens and adults.

PRESS RELEASE: 25/11/2024 Schoen Clinic UK Group are proud to announce the opening of its new dementia service, Wellen Court , Schoen Clinic York. This vital new service aims to address the critical need for specialised dementia care in York. Wellen Court, Schoen Clinic York will be offering respite and short and long-term residential care for people with young onset through to advanced/complex dementia Care is accessible to all through a range of funding options including NHS, Local Authority and privately funded, ensuring no one is left without support The launch comes at a critical time, as NHS England data reveals record-high dementia diagnoses in England.* The new service will provide expert care for patients with dementia, offering flexible options tailored to individual needs. Services are available on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Adam Bloor , Schoen Clinic UK Group Clinical Director  says: "Our new service represents a significant step forward in dementia care for York. We're addressing a crucial gap in local services, ensuring patients and their families no longer need to travel long distances for specialised care. Our person-centred approach, combined with our dementia-friendly environment, will help maintain independence and dignity for our patients while providing much-needed support for them and their loved ones." Key features of Wellen Court, Schoen Clinic York’s new dementia service include: A holistic approach fostering life skills, engaging activities and encouraging movement Occupational therapy in a specially designed environment Positive behavioural support plans Multidisciplinary team of specialists Proactive engagement with Dementia charities and organisations to deliver the best possible dementia-friendly care for service users Full details can be found at https://www.schoen-clinic.co.uk/specialist-dementia-care-in-york Schoen Clinic UK encourages individuals to contact their GP or healthcare team if they know someone who needs support or if they notice common early symptoms of dementia, such as memory loss, repetitive speech, or confusion about time and place. For all press related enquiries, please contact: Sarika Varma, WE Communications T: 07769 713376 E : svarma@we-worldwide.com References * NHS England » Dementia diagnoses in England at record high

This video is for teachers to use in schools and services for young people Introducing "Someone said I was fat": A helpful video resource for navigating body image "Someone said I was fat" is an essential video resource designed to support children and young people as they navigate the complexities of body image and the onset of disordered eating. Developed with careful consideration for the developmental stages of young minds, this video is ideally suited for viewers aged 10 to 16, acknowledging that individual growth varies. This impactful video is not only intended for classroom settings but also serves as a valuable resource for youth organizations such as Guides groups. Our aim is to reach as many young individuals as possible, providing them with valuable insights and tools to navigate these challenging topics. Accompanying resources have been meticulously crafted to facilitate meaningful discussions, tailored to different age groups. The narratives within the video are deeply personal, shared by contributors who bravely confronted anorexia during their formative years. Two of the contributors to the film developed anorexia during their first year in secondary school. One contributor explains how she was admitted for inpatient treatment at a time, aged 12, before she really understood what an eating disorder was or had an opportunity to learn about the issues at school. Their stories shed light on the realities of living with an eating disorder, offering poignant reflections on their journeys to recovery. The video is built around the thoughts and reflections of four young people who were treated at Schoen Clinic Newbridge for anorexia. Three are female, one is male and they were all under the age of 16 when they developed anorexia. Schoen Clinic Newbridge is an eating disorders centre in the West Midlands for young people aged 11 to 18. Please reach out to our caring team  at Schoen Clinic if you need support for yourself or a loved one. Our specialists in London  offer highly specialised treatments for children, teens and adults.

The York hospital, part of the Schoen Clinic UK Group , specialises in treating adults with eating disorders and is delighted with the rating documenting dramatic improvement in all areas. The CQC report details that all patients spoken to during the inspection said staff were kind, considerate, respectful and approachable with wards described as safe, clean, well equipped, well furnished, well maintained and fit for purpose. The report went on to recognise ‘Best practice in treatment and care’ saying “Staff provided a range of treatment and care for patients based on national guidance and best practice. They ensured that patients had good access to physical healthcare and supported them to live healthier lives. They also participated in clinical audit, benchmarking and quality improvement initiatives.” Andy Davey, Schoen Clinic UK Group Managing Director says “Schoen Clinic York has been on an incredible journey of transformation. Following their last CQC inspection, we appointed highly experienced and well-respected Mental Health Hospital Director, Adam Bloor. Adam, along with our fantastic clinical team has led the service into a whole new era of clinical excellence, quality and service improvement. I congratulate every member of the team at Schoen Clinic York for delivering a safe, effective, caring, well led and responsive service to our patients and our commissioners.”

Schoen Clinic’s Chelsea outpatient clinic specialising in mental health treatments has been awarded a prestigious 'Good' rating in all areas in its latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection report. The CQC inspection, which took place in February 2022, scored the mental health daycare and outpatient treatment service 'Good' across all five categories: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-Led. The independent health regulators praised the clinic, which specialises in both eating disorders and anxiety and mood disorders, for its 'overwhelmingly positive' feedback from patients and their parents, who 'praised the service highly' for its care. The inspection report  said: "Every person we spoke to was overwhelmingly positive about the care they had received or were receiving at the service. All the patients, young people and carers/parents praised the staff and told us how they had helped put them at ease and made them feel ‘normal’. One patient said the kindness they received from everyone from the reception staff to the Consultant made them feel accepted for who they are. Multiple patients told us that the service had changed their lives for the better.” The report continues: "Young people’s parents also praised the service highly. Parents said that the service was incredibly supportive and provided a clear programme ahead of them. All the parents we spoke to felt suitably informed and had regular appointments with their child’s key worker. One parent said, 'the service made me feel like my daughter is the only one on the programme.' We received no negative feedback from parents or young people in relation to the service." The CQC are the independent regulator of all health and social care services in England who monitor, inspect and regulate services to make sure they are meeting fundamental standards of quality and safety. “To have received such an overwhelmingly positive CQC rating in all areas is testament to the hard work and commitment to patient care from our team. We are pleased that inspectors recognised our work for patients, but also the care we put into supporting parents, carers and family members. We are proud of the quality and specialised care we provide and will continue to work on service innovation within the eating disorder and mental health disorder sector,” says Andy Davey , UK Managing Director.  Alex Blatch, Clinic Director at Schoen Clinic Chelsea said: “ The latest CQC findings supports the consistent feedback we get from our patients and I'm really pleased that we've been recognised for the incredible impact our service has on our patients lives.” Schoen Clinic UK currently comprises Schoen Clinic Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing in Chelsea (treating anxiety, mood and eating disorders) and Wellen Court, Schoen Clinic York a specialist residential and nursing care home for dementia. The Group's ethos is grounded firmly in the belief of finding the very best Consultants and medical colleagues, coupled with renowned facilities, to deliver high-quality, specialised care with a focus on clinical outcome excellence. Read the full report by the CQC today. For specific comment and further information, please contact our Press Office at ukmarketing@schoen-clinic.co.uk

Leading private mental healthcare provider, Schoen Clinic UK Group, is pleased to announce they are now recognised by Healix . Healix patients can now access highly specialised healthcare for eating disorders and mental health conditions at Schoen Clinic Chelsea . This includes children and young people/CAMHS patients with eating disorders. Jo Morse, Partnerships Director for Schoen Clinic UK Group says “We are delighted that our mental health facilities are now recognised by Healix. We look forward to welcoming Healix patients and ensuring we get them on the road to recovery as soon as possible.” Schoen Clinic understands the importance of delivering fast access to their services and Healix is now part of Schoen Clinic's growing list of partner providers. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder or mental health problem, please contact our caring team or your insurance provider to learn how you can quickly access highly specialised, quality mental healthcare.

Across our leading eating disorder clinics and hospitals in the UK, Schoen Clinic provides an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to eating disorder treatment and Occupational Therapy is a key part of this approach. In this way, we can respond to and meet the physical, psychological and social needs of each individual patient. Read on to find out how Occupational Therapy plays an integral part in the recovery process. Please feel free to contact our team today if you need support. What is occupational therapy? Occupational therapy is concerned with the activities, or occupations which we engage in during everyday life. Our occupations are divided into three groups: Self-care Productivity Leisure activities. Occupational therapists look at how people manage in these three areas of occupation. They support people to explore how their motivation, habits and skills have an impact on their day-to-day activities within their home and social life. The occupational therapist will support an individual in identifying the barriers to a healthy and balanced lifestyle to identify and work on positive changes. The occupational therapist will educate individuals on the importance of the balance between self-care, productivity and leisure activities, which is important for our overall wellbeing. Why is occupational therapy helpful in the treatment of eating disorders? Occupational therapy is a well-established, practical approach to helping people with a wide range of difficulties, including those with learning disabilities and physical and mental health challenges. Occupational therapy is considered to be very valuable as part of an integrated eating disorders treatment programme. People with an eating disorder are likely to have a marked imbalance in their daily activities. To take leisure activities as an example, a young person who has anorexia may over-exercise very excessively, rather than take part in exercise as an enjoyable leisure activity. The young person will not engage in regular, enjoyable leisure activities, such as going out for a meal with friends, because of the impact of their eating disorder. Occupational therapy, in combination with other therapeutic approaches, provides a way of helping the individual to rebalance their activities into a more healthy and balanced pattern. It harnesses the motivation of each individual and helps them to develop the skills needed to live a more balanced life. Occupational therapy at Schoen Clinic “Group activities within the community help young people to build their social skills and confidence in a safe and supportive environment. These activities are designed to help in their transition back to their local community and social life.” - Janet Tighe, senior occupational therapist, Schoen Clinic Newbridge. When an individual arrives at Schoen Clinic for eating disorder treatment, they will meet the Occupational Therapist and discuss their daily routine and interests with them. The aim is to integrate each person’s interests and daily routine into their activities throughout treatment. The Occupational Therapist will build up an understanding of what they enjoy and their motivation. For example, they may enjoy spending time with their friends but regret not being able to join them when social activities involve food. Occupational Therapy provides a way of building on motivation and providing the individual with new skills to help achieve a better balance of activities. Occupational Therapists run and contribute to a range of groups, covering lifestyle rebalance, social skills and art-based groups. What do occupational therapy groups involve? The leisure group provides an opportunity for each patient to return to physical activity gently, whilst building confidence in accessing the local community. They are encouraged to consider the difference between appropriate and excessive exercise and enable a balanced range of activity. Activities vary regularly but include badminton, table tennis, rounders, swimming and tennis within the local community. The social eating group is used to facilitate a graded approach to eating snacks, progressing to meals out in the community. The group uses the experience of outings into the community, for example visiting cafes, parks and shopping centres, to enable each individual to adjust and adapt to eating away from Schoen Clinic. Progress is made incrementally, reflecting the needs of each individual and the stage they have reached. A meal out is a goal which will be achieved very gradually, taking account of the individual’s progress in the treatment programme and individual needs. An older individual, or someone who will go on to independent living at university, for example, will progress to focus on life skills training around meal planning, shopping and cooking skills, in preparation for life after discharge. A younger person, who may be returning home to live with their parents and will not be responsible for day-to-day cooking, will focus on different life skills. When working with younger people, our Occupational Therapists will work closely with parents to ensure they can provide support to sustain their lifestyle changes after discharge. The creative art groups provides a creative outlet for individuals, an opportunity for distraction and a means to develop interests and hobbies. In addition, it can be used by the therapist as a method of assessment of areas such as motivation, communication and interaction. Our facilities enable Occupational Therapists to work to maximum benefit. Schoen Clinic Newbridge, Schoen Clinic Chelsea and Schoen Clinic York have occupational therapy kitchens, enabling patients to cook and eat meals as they would do at home and a large craft and activity area. How do you qualify as an Occupational Therapist? To qualify as an occupational therapist, it is necessary to study for a three-year degree. During this time, students will undertake a range of placements in healthcare, adding up to 30 weeks of practical experience. Occupational therapists are trained in both physical and mental healthcare. If you're interested in a rewarding career at Schoen Clinic, visit our careers page today to find out more. Please reach out to our caring team  at Schoen Clinic if you need support for yourself or a loved one. Our specialists in London  offer highly specialised treatments for children, teens and adults.

It's recognised that there is wide variation in eating disorder services, both in terms of who is treated and the treatment itself. In many cases, services have developed their own models using different approaches and although they may originally have been a clear rationale for doing things in a particular way, it is hard to compare and measure what works best and what may not be working. From a patient and parent's point of view, it is difficult to know what the standards for eating disorder treatment might be and therefore to know what to expect and what a good service looks like. Recognising these issues, NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) has developed new quality standards that will apply to all assessments and services for children, young people and adults with an eating disorder. The NICE guidelines are not yet finalised; they are currently being considered by all eating disorders services in a consultation, which will be completed in April (2018). From a Schoen Clinic perspective, they are very welcome: providing a clear, single framework for standards of eating disorders treatment. Critically, for people seeking help for eating disorders, the quality standards provide a set of measures to expect: assessment and treatment at the earliest opportunity, and a discussion about their options in terms of psychological treatments for eating disorders. We particularly welcome the recognition that if people have early intervention, their chances of making a full and lasting recovery are greatest. We also welcome the way the NICE guidelines focus on the fact that one individual may have support from more than one eating disorders services; for example, our patients move from community to inpatient then back to community services and often, depending on age, from child and adolescent services to adult. The standards recognise these transitions are a challenge which needs to be carefully planned and managed. What are the NICE eating disorders quality standards? The NICE quality standard is comprised of these six statements: Statement 1: People with suspected eating disorders referred to an eating disorder service should start assessment and treatment at the earliest opportunity. Statement 2: People with eating disorders have a discussion with a healthcare professional about their options for psychological treatment. Statement 3: People with binge eating disorder participate in a guided self-help programme as first-line psychological treatment. Statement 4: Children and young people with bulimia nervosa are offered bulimia nervosa-focused family therapy (FT-BN). Statement 5: People with an eating disorder who are being supported by more than one service have a care plan that explains how the services will work together. Statement 6: People with an eating disorder who are moving between services have their risks assessed. The principle behind the first statement is very important for people seeking help for eating disorders. Research by the national charity Beat found on average, there are three years between the first signs of an eating disorder appearing and people seeking and actually obtaining treatment. Yet we know, from the evidence, that a close association between early treatment and full recovery. It is good to see the NICE guidelines set out the psychological treatments for eating disorders specific to each condition: guided self-help is established as the first line treatment for people with binge eating disorders and children and adolescents with bulimia nervosa should be given bulimia nervosa-focused family therapy (FT-BN). As a provider of eating disorders services anorexia requiring inpatient treatment, there is much complexity and no single psychological treatment will be sufficient alone. A broad-ranging resource of interventions is needed to address the multiple causes of the disorder and we recognise the NICE guidelines for anorexia (2) stating individuals need to discuss with a health professional to explain their options for treatment, with choice if it is appropriate and in the best interest of the patient. Please reach out to our caring team  at Schoen Clinic if you need support for yourself or a loved one. Our specialists in London  offer highly specialised treatments for children, teens and adults.

Schoen Clinic UK , a highly specialised and award-winning private healthcare provider and The Placement Group PLC , a leading healthcare recruitment and staffing solutions provider have entered into a new and forward-thinking strategic partnership that will significantly improve the efficiency of temporary, permanent, and internal staffing provisions across the group. The agreement's emphasis is focused on quality assurance, value and delivering the best outcomes in line with growth and prioritising patient care. Faye Collins , HR Director for Schoen Clinic UK said “Recruitment and retention continue to be a priority in line with our People Plan at Schoen Clinic and we do not underestimate that our colleagues are the reason for our success and exceptional patient care.  As the healthcare market continues to evolve, it is essential to carefully consider how the landscape is changing and as a result, how our approach to attracting and retaining healthcare professionals must also advance.  Doing what we have always done won’t set Schoen Clinic aside from our competitors or provide our patients with the incomparable care we have to offer and that is why partnering with Marc and his team at The Placement Group genuinely provides an exciting, future-focused solution to strategic workforce planning.”  Marc Clifford, Commercial Director for The Placement Group said “We have been working collaboratively with Faye and the team since the end of June and have taken a well-paced and methodical approach to consider the solutions, method and implementation that would be both beneficial and successful across their group. It has been necessary to invest time in understanding Schoen Clinic’s needs, and meeting the team and hiring managers that put their heart and soul into delivering outstanding care, all of which have been inclusive and pivotal in forming our new successful partnership. We have cultivated a bespoke solution and system with achievable and measurable milestones that incorporates all specialities and staffing groups within Schoen Clinic and as we launch this new model, it really is an exciting time to be working with such a progressive organisation that truly prioritises their patients and hardworking teams. The Placement Group has been serving the healthcare industry for over 27 years and is able to be realistic and selective in who we partner with; there are clear synergies between both The Placement Group and Schoen Clinic, not only in terms of how we invest in our people but the appetite to grow further and remain stand out providers across the sector.  Our partnership is a clear indicator of our aligned values and I look forward to a long and successful partnership.” For press or media enquiries please contact our Press Office at ukmarketing@schoen-clinic.co.uk For our current career opportunities please visit our careers page .