Increasing rates of eating disorder detection and treatment in adolescence

The intervention forms Phase 2 of a two-phase research project. In Phase 1, students, teachers and parents affiliated with participating secondary schools will be invited to complete online questionnaires regarding perceived rates of mental health problems in adolescence, options for treatment for mental health problems in adolescence, and (for students only) their experiences with mental health difficulties and whether they had sought treatment for those difficulties. Phase 1 will last approximately 2 weeks, with participants being able to complete questionnaires online on one occasion at any point during those 2 weeks. After this initial phase, schools will be randomly allocated to an immediate Phase Two condition or a delayed Phase Two condition. The Phase 2 process will include the following: 1. Students, teachers and parents will be provided with feedback from the first phase of the research. In particular, they will be given information on rates of mental health problems in adolescents and how these compare to estimated rates by students, parents and teachers. They will also be given information on evidence-based treatment options for mental health problems. This feedback will occur via school assemblies and newsletters. The information presented will not identify any individual participants from Phase 1, and will make use of pooled data only. 2. Student councellors and other key teachers at the participating schools will be invited to attend a meeting with the Investigator about current management strategies for mental health problems in the school. The Investigator will provide summaries of guidelines on screening for eating disorders, depression and anxiety in adolescents; how to manage the physical and mental health-related risks associated with these conditions; and how to approach students and/or their parents with concerns. The Investigator will also provide self-help treatment materials for use with students if they are interested in, and suitable for, management within the school system. 3. After this meeting, teachers will be invited to contact the Investigator if they have any queries or questions over the coming months. A follow-up meeting will be scheduled for 2-3 months after the initial meeting. Phase 2 will last for approximately 5 months in total. At the conclusion of Phase 2, students, parents and teachers will be re-invited to complete online questionnaires regarding perceived rates of mental health problems in adolescence, options for treatment for mental health problems in adolescence, and (for students only) their experiences with mental health difficulties and whether they had sought treatment for those difficulties. These questionnaires make use of questions / items used in previous research in this area, as well as two formal, stand alone questionnaire measures: the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire. These latter two questionnaires assess mental health related difficulties and are for student completion only. Participants in the immediate intervention group will complete online questionnaire measures on 2 occasions: at baseline (Phase 1) and approximately 5 months later at the end of Phase 2. At each time point, questionnaires may be completed by participants in their own time and on a computer of their choosing, and should take no more than 15 minutes (for parents and teachers) to 30 minutes (for students).