Self-harm

Exploring the link between eating disorders, self-harm and suicidal thoughts

Led by Dr Una Foye at King's College London

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, are serious mental health conditions. They are linked to a much higher risk of suicide than those without these disorders. However, we still do not fully understand why this risk is so high or how best to respond.

This research, funded by the Foundation and led by Dr Una Foye at King’s College London, will explore how people with eating disorders experience and make sense of suicidal thoughts and behaviours across their lives. Using in-depth interviews, the study will focus on personal stories, key life events and turning points. Participants will be able to use creative approaches, such as life-course timelines or artwork, to help share and explain their experiences. The project will actively include voices that are often underrepresented in research, including men, trans and non-binary people, individuals from minority ethnic backgrounds, and those living with other long-term or complex health conditions.

The findings will provide new insights into the links between eating disorders and suicide. These will be used to co-produce a practical learning toolkit with both people with lived experience and clinicians. The toolkit will be designed to inform clinical practice and support more effective and compassionate care and suicide prevention services for people living with an eating disorder.