A new digital intervention is being trialled to encourage young people with early signs of eating disorders to seek help more quickly, amid growing concern that delays in treatment are leaving patients with worse outcomes. The findings were published in the journal Pilot and Feasibility Studies.
The tool, called FREED-M (First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders – Mobile), is part of a randomised controlled feasibility study involving 116 participants aged 16 to 25. Developed by researchers from King’s College London and partners across the NHS, the smartphone-friendly platform aims to reduce the average delay between symptom onset and first treatment, known as the duration of untreated eating disorder, or DUED.
Eating disorders remain among the deadliest of psychiatric illnesses, with anorexia nervosa carrying mortality rates higher than any other mental health condition. Delays in recognising the problem, stigma around seeking help, and difficulty accessing services all contribute to prolonged suffering. Researchers believe early intervention is key to better outcomes, especially given that symptoms are more malleable in the early stages.
According to recent data, the average DUED ranges from just under 30 months for anorexia nervosa to more than five years for binge eating disorder. Young adults, particularly those over the age of 18, tend to wait even longer than teenagers before receiving treatment. These delays are often due to difficulties navigating adult mental health services, coupled with the loss of family support as individuals become more independent.
The FREED-M intervention combines animations, personalised feedback, and downloadable resources designed to improve awareness, boost motivation, and guide users toward appropriate help. The topics covered include the biological and psychological aspects of eating disorders, social media influences, and the potential for brain and behavioural change. Participants receive a new module each week over the course of a month, with progress tracked and outcomes measured up to three months after initial participation.
The trial compares FREED-M with a control condition in which users are simply directed to an established UK charity website. Researchers hope the study will reveal whether the app can improve help-seeking behaviour, reduce treatment delays, and ultimately lead to better clinical outcomes. It will also examine completion rates, participant engagement, and acceptability of the tool.
If the feasibility trial proves successful, a full-scale study will follow. Given the increasing demand on NHS services and the limited availability of specialised treatment, the developers argue that a mobile-first, accessible approach could help plug the gap for those who are unsure whether they need help or are hesitant to seek it.
While earlier initiatives such as the FREED clinical service model have already shown that early intervention can reduce treatment delays and improve recovery rates, this is the first attempt to digitise the approach for broader reach. The FREED model is already being rolled out nationally, with nearly all Mental Health Trusts in England adopting it since 2017.
