What to expect at adult assessment appointment?

[PandoraPrincess]

I have my first appointment at the Adult ED clinic approaching. Can anyone help with explaining what I should expect as the letter is a bit vague & I'm feeling pretty shitty about it. In preparation they've given me a bunch of forms to fill out but not much more info.

Part of me just wants to cancel...

Anyone?

Hi Pandora, I just had an assessment on Friday. I also had loads of questionnaires to fill in to take with - they didn’t look at these at the appointment but took them off me. My assessment was with a lady to asked me lots of questions about my eating habits, so thinks such as how many times a day I weigh myself, do I make myself sick, what types of food I eat eg how much carbs, dairy etc. Then we talked about things that have happened in my life from when I was a child, so 0-4, primary school, secondary, etc all the way through to now. We also talked about my family and support I had. I was then weighed and my height was done (I could look at the scales or not, whatever I wanted) and my BMI was worked out. Then I was told that she thought I had an eating disorder and she explained the services they offered.
The whole thing lasted about an hour. It wasn’t as bad as I thought, I know it’s hard because I felt so sick before hand I was literally shaking but you will get through it. Pm me if you like and good luck.

I went through the assessment process this time last year, it varies so so much between areas. Can you give an idea where about you are roughly?

I met with a specialist nurse who talked through the stuff you’d expect, I got weighed and assessed. They asked me what my habits where and my mental state around food really, what I ate in a day and how I exercised. They also asked about my family support and what I really wanted to achieve from the referral and then went through what would happen next which was group therapy followed by 1:1.

Do you mind saying what sub-type you’re being referred for? As I imagine it’ll be very different for each. I was referred for Anorexia (B/P subtype)

You’ve done amazingly well to get so far and you’ll be fine. Feel free to message if you need

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for both of your responses.

I think its the being weighed part I am freaking out over the most, but they have my weight & height from my GP referall which was a few weeks back so me refusing to be weighed isn't going to be a major issue (my bmi is low 20s so not in the dangerous zone) errrm I guess its a bulimia subtype I have, I just don't like being weighed & I'm obsessing & convinced I shouldn't eat/drinkat all in the day or so beforehand (eating disorder logic eh) to justify me going there & I'm forced to be weighed. I am weight obsessed yes, but I just don't want them or me to know the actual number. I'm a slight wreck apols if I sound a bit silly

I understand that, I felt like I couldn’t eat or drink before any appointment either. You definitely don’t sound silly!

There are usually a few options when it comes to being weighed. You can refuse, you can be blind weighed or just weighed normally. Just remember that these are the first steps to a totally different and happier life and it’s worth the pain to get there. The ED team are really supportive when it comes to the weight anxiety and will help you through all of the feelings and steps you need

I had one 2 years ago and it was with an ED and MH nurse. Both were present while the MH nurse asked me loads of stuff like PP have mentioned. Then she left the room and the ED nurse did weight, BP (sitting and standing) and asked more details about my eating and exercise habits. It was hard as it was the first time I had openly talked about my behaviours in front of any one, but they were lovely.

Then the MH nurse came back in and they advised on on-going treatment which in my case was psychiatrist and ED nurse.

All the best.

Is it with a psychiatrist?
When I had my assessment they talk about current and past difficulties, any other mental health issues, family history, just be very honest even if some of it is embarrassing, they've heard it all and more!
Any questions you don't want to ask on here feel free to pm me,
I've just finished a 5 month inpatient admission so am very knowledgeable of my local services

How did you get on @PandoraPrincess?