Independent evaluation of the FREED model: Early intervention is effective in adults with eating disorders.

Aim: A longer Duration of Untreated Eating Disorder illness is associated with poorer clinical outcomes. First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders (FREED) is a treatment pathway for emerging adults (16-25) with a duration of untreated illness ≤ 3 years, showing promising results. Our study aimed to replicate findings by assessing differences between FREED and Treatment-As-Usual from assessment to discharge. Method: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using routinely collected data comparing eating disorder symptoms in patients attending FREED (n=33) and Treatment-As-Usual (n=71) between January 2022 and April 2024. Results: Both FREED and Treatment-As-Usual significantly reduced eating disorder symptoms. FREED did not show greater efficacy but had patients with lower symptomatology at assessment and closer to clinical recovery at discharge. Discussion: & Conclusion Findings suggest FREED is effective, highlighting the importance of early intervention in eating disorders. However, access is limited, and inclusion criteria should reflect adult treatment demand.