‘Terrifying rise’ in eating disorders with 41 children and young people treated in Donegal
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00:00Anyone who watched the RTE documentary, Anorexia, My Family and Me, will have seen the devastating impact of eating disorders.
00:07There has been a terrifying rise in eating disorders in this country and it requires a lot more attention than is currently being given.
00:13In Donegal, 17 young people in child and adolescent mental health services were being treated for eating disorders in 2020.
00:20That number rose significantly to 47 in 2021 and 41 people were being treated in June of last year.
00:26This number only reflects those that come forward with their illness and actually manage to get a referral.
00:31There are many more who are unable to get as far as receiving treatment.
00:35Minister Butler has said that the number of people suffering from eating disorders has soared from 60 to 500 in recent years.
00:42So why are we so slow to act and get people the treatment they need?
00:45Early intervention is key in preventing people from reaching a stage of hospitalisation.
00:50Support services can oftentimes be lifeline to those who use them.
00:54We are in desperate need of a review of the model of care for eating disorders, Minister.
00:58So when will you plan on delivering this?
01:02Thanks Deputy, I saw that programme as well and it is unquestionably, as Minister Butler has said, we have seen a significant increase in eating disorders
01:09and we were able to see the impact that that has on the individuals themselves and indeed their families.
01:14In April of this year, you will know Deputy Premier, that Minister Butler announced additional funding for the eating disorders programme of £1.3 million
01:21which included £700,000 funding for a new adult eating disorder team which is based in CHO Area 7 out of Dublin and Wicklow.
01:31This announcement brings the number of eating disorder teams across the country to 12.
01:35It has also been announced as part of Budget 2025 for Mental Health Services
01:39that approximately €1.2 million funding will be allocated to the NCP for Eating Disorders programme
01:46for an additional two more teams which will bring the total number of eating disorder teams nationally to 14
01:52and this will include a CAMHS eating disorder team for CHO Area 3 which is the mid-west.