Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa Have Their Say: A Review of Qualitative Studies on Treatment and Recovery from Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract

Anorexia nervosa often begins in adolescence, and there is a growing body of quantitative literature looking at the efficacy of treatment for adolescents. However, qualitative research has a valuable contribution to make to the understanding of treatment and recovery. This paper aims to review qualitative studies on the experience of treatment and recovery for adolescents with anorexia nervosa. Key themes from the 11 studies identified the role of family, peers and professionals, family therapy, the inpatient setting, emphasis on physical versus psychological and conceptualisation of recovery. Future studies would benefit from relating their findings to adolescent theory and considering reflexivity. Implications for clinical practice are also discussed.

Metasynthesis of the Views about Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa in Adolescents: Perspectives of Adolescents, Parents, and Professionals

“…They selected and analyzed 16 studies and described original concepts of recovery, especially self-acceptance and self-reconciliation. Bezance and Holliday [20], who selected and analyzed 11 articles, investigated the perspective of adolescents with AN. They underlined the importance of family involvement in care, of peer groups, and of the need for a comprehensive bio-psycho-social approach.…”

Patients’ perspective on inpatient treatment for eating disorders: A mixed-methods study of satisfaction, experience of care and perceived helpfulness of components of treatment

“…With engagement of characteristically ambivalent patients [15] critical to treatment success, and engagement dependent on acceptability of treatment, a thorough qualitative understanding of inpatient care from the patients' perspective is needed to optimise outcomes [29,30]. Aiming to contribute to the growing evidence base and inform service improvement locally we set out to describe the experiences of adults admitted to hospital for treatment of eating disorders.…”

The Roy Adaptation Model

“…Research has suggested that individuals with AN will disengage from treatment and turn to eating disorder behaviors during periods of enforced treatment (e.g., nasogastric tube feeding) or power struggles. 26-27 As patients repeatedly struggle to abate their fears and regain a sense of control, patterns of behaviors to prevent weight gain may become even more deep-rooted.…”