Details of a review of support and treatment for people with eating disorders in Scotland have been announced.

The review, which will report in early 2021, will assess the current landscape and identify areas for improvement ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections in May.

Dr Stephen Anderson, a psychiatrist in eating disorders based in West Yorkshire but set to move to NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, was announced as one of the leads by Mental Health Minister Clare Haughey.

He will be joined by Dr Jacinta Tan, a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist in Wales, and Glasgow eating disorders clinical lead Dr Charlotte Oakley.

The review’s terms of reference and “very broad and very ambitious given the timescales”, the trio said on twitter.

Last month a mental health watchdog warned the support on offer varied across the country, including the availability of psychological therapies, with some people accessing support privately.

‘While early intervention and access to psychological help is critical, there is often a lack of support, and delays in accessing services, particularly in the community,’ the Mental Welfare Commission said.

‘[There is also] confusion and conflict over responsibility for physical health monitoring between GPs and psychiatrists.’

The leads are being asked to take the Commission’s recommendations into account to build up a ‘full picture’, according to the review’s newly-published terms of reference.

Areas the review will consider include the age range covered by services, support available in schools, and staff numbers needed.

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