A Clinician's Perspective of Severe and Enduring Eating Disorders and Palliative Care with Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr David Coyle

This week, Han is joined by David Coyle. David is a Consultant Psychiatrist, and the Clinical Lead for Adult Eating Disorder Services across multiple Trusts in Northern Ireland. With a career spanning 18 years in mental health and 7 years specialising in eating disorders, David is dedicated to his clinical work, especially where he can be creative and innovative. He is also passionate about teaching and provides training for various regional healthcare disciplines. One of his notable interests is exploring the treatment options available for severe and complex eating disorders.

This week, Han and David discuss:

  • David's journey as a consultant psychiatrist and how he began working in eating disorders.
  • David's perspective on using diagnostic labels and the importance of accessing treatment.
  • The importance of getting to know a patient and their difficulties to provide adequate recovery treatment.
  • The need for weight restoration in recovery as well as the uncertainty this can bring in recovery.
  • David's perspective on the descriptor "Severe and Enduring Eating Disorder" and when this may be supportive for patients.
  • David's perspective on the Mental Health Act and when it may be appropriate to detain a patient or not.
  • David's experience of supporting a patient with palliative care and the reasons for when this may be necessary.
  • How to determine if a patient has the capacity to decide on palliative care. Kindly note, that this episode delves into sensitive eating disorder topics such as the Mental Health Act and palliative care. Remember to take care of yourself while listening, and always seek professional help if needed. This podcast is your bridge to insightful discussions, not a substitute for clinical guidance.

Recent Posts

By Hannah Hickinbotham July 27, 2026
Art Psychotherapist Jessica Mackney shares how art therapy can offer a way into eating disorder recovery when words aren't enough, and what it really looks like beyond "just drawing or painting."
By hannah July 20, 2026
Hannah Whitfield shares her inpatient psychiatric care, restrictive practice, and eating disorder recovery, and how she turned survival into activism with Legally Detained.
By Hannah Hickinbotham July 13, 2026
Eva Echo shares her experience of eating disorders, trans identity, and AuDHD, and what years of medical gatekeeping in UK healthcare really looks like.
By Hannah Hickinbotham July 6, 2026
When we focus on weight in eating disorder treatment, are we doing more harm than good?
By Hannah Hickinbotham June 29, 2026
How does people pleasing get in the way of eating disorder recovery? And why commitment, not motivation, might be the thing that carries you through. With insights from psychotherapist and lived experience advocate Sarah Parker.
By Hannah Hickinbotham June 22, 2026
OSFED and UFED are the most common eating disorder diagnoses, yet remain widely overlooked. Here's what they are, why that happens, and why it needs to change.
Show More