Psychiatry EXPLAINED

Psychiatry for Eating Disorders and Body Image

Expert psychiatric care to support understanding, recovery, and long-term well-being.

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Psychiatry EXPLAINED?

What Is Psychiatry for Eating Disorders?

Psychiatry is a branch of medicine focused on understanding and treating mental health conditions. An eating disorder psychiatrist is a medically trained doctor who specialises in the emotional, psychological, and physical aspects of eating and body image disorders, including related conditions such as anxiety, depression and OCD.

1.25M

people living with an eating disorder

At The London Centre, psychiatric input offers an additional layer of expertise alongside therapy — helping to clarify diagnoses, monitor medical or psychological risk, and consider whether medication may be helpful as part of treatment.

46%

of Adults feel unhappy about appearance

ASPECTS OF IMPORTANCE

Meet Our Lead Psychiatrist: Dr Christina Barras

Dr Christina Barras, MBBS, MRCPsych
Consultant Psychiatrist

Dr Christina Barras is a highly experienced Consultant Psychiatrist specialising in eating disorders, with extensive experience working across both adolescent and adult services. She is currently the Clinical Lead for the Eating Disorders Service at Surrey and Borders NHS Foundation Trust, where she oversees a multidisciplinary team and manages complex cases across the lifespan.

Dr Barrass has particular expertise in assessment, differential diagnosis, medication and treatment reviews, and all forms of eating disorders and body image disorders including ARFID and BDD. She is passionate about integrated, high-quality care and has a strong interest in supporting young people through the transition from child to adult services — an area where continuity of care is often lacking. At The London Centre, she works with individuals aged 15 and above.
She consults in Central London monthly (Mondays and Saturdays) and offers remote weekday evening appointments by arrangement.

What to Expect at a Psychiatric Assessment

A psychiatric assessment with Dr Barras is a confidential, compassionate conversation exploring your emotional well-being, physical health, medical history, and current symptoms. You will have space to discuss your concerns and your goals for treatment. Following the assessment, Dr Barrass will provide clear recommendations which may include psychological therapy, medication, monitoring, or onward referral where helpful. Treatment planning is always collaborative and takes into account your individual circumstances and preferences.

Personalised Care

The Role of the Psychiatrist in Recovery

Dr Barras works closely with psychologists, therapists, and dietitians to ensure your treatment is coordinated, safe, and tailored. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that emotional, psychological, and physical needs are considered together.

How Psychiatry Differs from Therapy

Psychological therapy focuses on behavioural and emotional change. Psychiatry, by contrast, explores biological, medical, and neurochemical factors that may be influencing your symptoms. Together, they form a comprehensive treatment plan that supports recovery from all angles.

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the benefits

Benefits of Psychiatric Care for Eating Disorders

  • Provides diagnostic clarity and medical oversight
  • Supports emotional stability and mood regulation
  • Helps reduce anxiety, depression, or obsessive thoughts
  • Ensures medication is prescribed and monitored safely
  • Facilitates communication and coordination between clinicians
  • Enhances recovery through a comprehensive, whole-person approach
  • Offers reassurance, guidance, and long-term mental health support
How We Support you

When Psychiatric Support Is Recommended

Seeking psychiatric support is a proactive step toward understanding your mental health, stabilising symptoms, and receiving the right level of care. Psychiatric input can be helpful at any stage of recovery. It may be recommended when eating difficulties are linked with:
  • Anxiety, depression, or obsessive thoughts
  • Trauma or significant changes in mood
  • Eating in secret or disappearing after meals
  • Sleep problems or difficulty functioning day to day
  • Unclear or complex diagnoses
  • Concerns about medical or psychological risk
Reasons for Referral

Common Reasons for Referral

Individuals may be referred to a psychiatrist for reasons such as:
  • Low mood, emotional instability, or persistent anxiety
  • Compulsive or obsessive thoughts linked with eating or body image
  • Sleep difficulties or reduced ability to function day to day
  • Support with starting, reviewing, or adjusting medication
  • Concerns about medical or psychological risk

Psychiatric treatment may involve medical assessments, diagnosis, and — where appropriate — the careful use of evidence-based medication. All decisions are made collaboratively, with clear explanations and a sensitive, transparent approach. Medication is always used alongside therapy and nutritional support for a holistic recovery experience.

Psychiatric Treatments and Approaches

Medication Management

For some people, medication can help reduce symptoms such as anxiety, depression, obsessive thoughts, or sleep disturbance. Dr Barras monitors all medication closely, adjusting doses as needed to ensure effectiveness and safety. Follow-up appointments are offered in person or where appropriate, via video consultation.

Psychiatric care at The London Centre is part of a whole-person approach. Dr Barras works collaboratively with psychologists, dietitians, and occupational therapists to ensure cohesive, integrated support.

Holistic, Multidisciplinary Treatment

FAQ’s

FAQs About Psychiatry for Eating Disorders

They assess emotional, psychological, and physical well-being; offer diagnostic clarity; and may recommend therapy, medication, or both as part of a coordinated treatment plan.

No. You can self-refer directly to The London Centre for a confidential psychiatric consultation.

Shared care is an important part of our treatment. We can discuss any concerns around confidentiality, but in cases where there is concern about risk, particularly physical risk or where medication is prescribed, we will need to work alongside your GP. We will always discuss any concerns you might have about this first, and what information you are comfortable sharing.

Yes — when clinically appropriate. Medication may support mood stability, reduce anxiety, or help manage obsessive thoughts.

Not at all. Psychiatry can be helpful at any stage of recovery, including early intervention, symptom monitoring, and ongoing care.

Our psychiatrists collaborate closely with therapists and dietitians to provide integrated psychological and medical treatment.

We offer short waiting times and prioritise timely, compassionate appointments to ensure you receive support when you need it.

Start your journey

Take the First Step Towards Recovery

Understanding both the emotional and medical aspects of your eating or body image difficulties can be an important part of recovery. Whether you are seeking clarity, needing support with medication, or looking for integrated care alongside therapy, we provide a safe and knowledgeable space to begin.

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