A qualitative study of the experience of caring for a person with bulimia nervosa. Part 2: Carers' needs and experiences of services and other support

Abstract

Further research is recommended to explore how the needs expressed by carers may best be translated into services that effectively meet the requirements of both patients and carers and reduce the risk to carers' mental health.

An exploratory investigation of the experiences of partners living with people who have bulimia nervosa

“…The focus of theme 2 of struggling to understand and find reasons overlaps with findings from other studies of carers (Barrowclough, Marshall, Lockwood, Quinn, & Sellwood, 1998;Fadden, Bebbington, & Kuipers, 1987;Haigh & Treasure, 2003;Revenson, 1994;Treasure et al, 2001;Winn et al, 2004). This can be framed through a cognitive process of adjustment (Taylor, 1983) including searching for meaning (understanding), mastery (developing a sense of control over an event and its reoccurrence), and 'self enhancement' (looking to restore self esteem following the event).…”

Understanding how parents cope with living with someone with anorexia nervosa: Modelling the factors that are associated with carer distress

“…ED and especially anorexia nervosa (AN) entail many challenges to caregivers, including lack of information, 5,6 stressful experiences in obtaining help through the health services, often marked by exclusion or even blame for the illness, psychological needs of carers themselves, 7,8 and poor social support and understanding for carers. 9 AN has an average illness duration of 6 years and in many cases the ego-syntonic nature of the illness delays the seeking of treatment and obstructs adherence to treatment. 10 As yet little evidence exists that specifies what works in the treatment of AN.…”

“…most of their social support comes from family and friends, however, this support is limited, typically due to the high stigma and lack of understanding surrounding ED. 9 Consequently, many carers feel isolated and alone. 16 Carers' burden, isolation and frustration with the illness grow as people with chronic ED become increasingly reliant on their parents and spend more time with them.…”

Percepção de familiares sobre a anorexia e bulimia: revisão sistemática

“…Some did not have a clear perception of the disorder, its etiopathogenesis and prognosis. 25,35,36 "I knew something was wrong, but I wasn't sure what it was." 25 Chronicity -parents perceived the disease as a chronic condition, expressing pessimism regarding their child's recovery and cure.…”