Eating Disorder Screener Assessment Protocol

The headspace team have embedded the Inside Out Institute eating disorder screener into their assessment protocol. This means that all young people accessing the services are asked questions about their relationship with food, body and eating rather than the clinician waiting for the young person to provide this information. Since the introduction of the screener, the service has identified that approximately 75% of young people are experiencing disordered eating or an eating disorder. The early screener has ensured that these concerns are picked up early and appropriate treatment can be commenced.

National Strategy Standards and Actions

Identification

Standard 3: People who may be experiencing an eating disorder are proactively identified during interactions with the health system and in other settings. 

Action 3.6: Mental health services to incorporate eating disorder screening into initial assessment protocols and case reviews.