Eating Disorders Rising Among Children and Young People

Figures show more than a million children needed treatment for serious mental health problems in the past year. NHS data obtained by the PA news agency shows an almost 40-percent rise in referrals for mental health treatment in 2021 and 2022. It includes children who are suicidal, self-harming, suffering serious depression or anxiety, and those with eating disorders. Separate data from the NHS shows hospital admissions for eating disorders are rising among children and young people. NTD spoke with Bev Marais, founder and CEO of The Eating Disorder Psychologist, to talk about the reasons behind the rise in numbers.