Ascertainment of early onset eating disorders: a pilot for developing a national child psychiatric surveillance system

BACKGROUND: A Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Surveillance System was established as part of a British Paediatric Surveillance Unit study of early onset eating disorders (EOED). METHOD: A study of EOED presenting to paediatricians was undertaken through the BPSU over 15 months in 2005-06. RESULTS: Monthly report cards compliance was 83%, identifying 208 EOED cases. On evaluation, 99% of psychiatrists responding supported the need for surveillance and 95% would continue to contribute. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this pilot study suggest that a monthly surveillance of rare conditions in child and adolescent psychiatry is feasible and enhances ascertainment.