Frequently Asked Questions

ABBI Clinic is a registered and approved provider for private medical insurance companies, including AXA, BUPA, AVIVA, VITAITY, WPA and CIGNA.

ABBI Clinic provides both private and NHS care.

Information shared in a therapeutic setting is kept confidential and handled according to data protection guidelines.

Treatment programmes often accommodate special diets or intolerances, and nutritional counselling can address individual dietary needs.

The assessment process typically involves a thorough evaluation of physical and mental health, eating behaviours, and personal history to determine the most appropriate treatment options.

Disordered eating refers to unhealthy eating behaviours, while an eating disorder involves a persistent and severe disturbance in eating habits, often accompanied by emotional and physical issues.

We are available to meet potential patients before an assessment to discuss treatment options and address any concerns.

You do not need a GP referral to attend day care at ABBI. You can either refer yourself by contacting us or you can be referred through private healthcare insurance if you have this cover. For individuals who already have support from an NHS Community Eating Disorder Team, a referral can be made through them.

Yes, treatment is delivered through sessions which run throughout the week. We run two sessions per day (morning and afternoon/evening) meaning individuals can attend at their convenience around their pre-existing commitments. Depending on the severity of the eating disorder and the treatment plan, individuals can often continue with their education or work while receiving treatment.

The frequency of day care treatment sessions varies depending on individual needs and the type of treatment required. Most patients will attend day care initially twice a week, though the intensity of this is tailored up or down depending on individual need. Attendance varies from one to five days a week. This will be discussed with you at your initial assessment.

Eating disorders usually involve complex factors, and while some may develop unintentionally, many result from a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental influences.

It is challenging to overcome an eating disorder without professional treatment, as it often requires comprehensive intervention from a multidisciplinary team to address all aspects of the condition.

Individuals with eating disorders may exhibit traits such as perfectionism, low self-esteem, and a desire for control, but it varies among individuals.

Anorexia nervosa involves restrictive eating and extreme thinness, while bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours like vomiting or excessive exercise.

Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).

Binge eating disorder is characterised by episodes of consuming large amounts of food with a feeling of loss of control.

With appropriate treatment, support, and ongoing care, it is possible to recover from an eating disorder.

Eating disorder treatment involves behavioural psychological and nutritional approaches, depending on the specific needs of the person.

Treatment often involves therapy, nutritional counselling, medical monitoring, and support to address both the physical and psychological aspects of the disorder.

The duration of eating disorder treatment varies, involving both short-term care and long-term therapy.

Eating disorder treatment can be effective, especially when tailored to an individual’s needs and circumstances.

Yes, the exact treatment an individual requires depends on the underlying condition, but eating disorders are usually treated through a combination of psychological therapy, medical supervision, and nutritional support.

Eating disorders are mental health conditions characterised by abnormal eating patterns, thoughts, and behaviours that often have serious physical and emotional consequences.

People may develop eating disorders due to a combination of genetic, psychological, sociocultural, and environmental factors.

Causes of eating disorders are multifactorial, including genetic predisposition (family history of eating disorder or other mental health condition), psychological factors (depression, anxiety, fear of being overweight, being a perfectionist), societal pressures (social media, having a job or hobby where size matters), and individual experiences (abuse, bullying, personal criticism about diet/eating, family tension).

Yes, eating disorders are relatively common, affecting individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.