Clinical characteristics linked to persistent and emerging eating disorder risk trajectories in young people seeking mental health care

Abstract

Eating disorders (EDs) are serious mental health conditions with peak onset during adolescence and young adulthood. While early intervention services frequently encounter young people at-risk of EDs, little is known about the trajectories and factors associated with ED risk among those engaged in services over time. The sample includes 494 young people (aged 12–25 years) who presented to youth mental health services in Australia between 2011 and 12, primarily for emerging mood disorders. ED risk was assessed at baseline and 12-month follow-up using the SCOFF questionnaire, with scores ≥ 2 (range 0–5) indicating high risk status. Participants were classified into four trajectory groups: persi..