Refer immediately to an age-appropriate eating disorder service for further assessment or treatment if an eating disorder is suspected after an initial assessment NICE CKS.
Urgency of referral depends on the specific clinical situation and on clinical judgement — if unsure, seek advice from a specialist eating disorders service, eating disorders or liaison psychiatry clinician, the local CAMHS service, or a paediatrician/physician NICE CKS.
In cases where physical health is severely compromised, or there is a risk of serious physical or mental health complications such as suicide or self-harm, urgent referral and possibly emergency admission are indicated NICE CKS.
Patients with extreme medical risk, organ failure, or rapid deterioration should be considered for inpatient care, with referral to specialist services for medical stabilisation and treatment NICE CKS.