Eating disorders are serious mental health problems that affect people all over the world. They also have a low recovery rate. Sadly, eating disorders are linked to a higher risk of death, including death by suicide. Past research shows that suicide risk may be especially high during recovery from an eating disorder, but it is not understood why.
This study aims to better understand self-harm and suicide risk during eating disorder recovery. We are using an online survey to ask people with experience of an eating disorder about self-harm and suicide and if this was different when they had an eating disorder versus when they were in recovery. The survey will also ask how they think they could have been better supported when recovering from their eating disorder. People in the survey will be able to say if they’d like to have an interview where they can talk about their experiences more. They can also choose if they’d like to attend an event where the researchers from King’s College London will talk about what the study found.
We will analyse themes that come up in people’s answers from the survey and interviews. We will also analyse if people from different groups have different experiences. For example, if people with different eating disorders are more or less likely to self-harm. The findings will be written up into a paper and published. They will also be shared at conferences. This research could help to improve support, safety, and long-term recovery outcomes for people with eating disorders.
