Ex-anorectic Patients’ Perceptions on Treatments

Abstract

Objectives:Anorexia is a serious psychiatric condition that can lead to death at its worst; therefore, survival is not guaranteed or the results of treatments appear inconsistent. The present research gives an extraordinary and unique insight into anorexia and exanorectic patients' experiences of survival. Methods:This is a narrative study where 11 Finnish women who survived anorexia successfully revealed their stories and contemplated the treatments they had undergone. Their stories serve as examples of exanorectic patients' survival stories. The special focus is on understanding the emotional aspect during the treatment. Results:There is no specific treatment that would help all anorectic patients. The most important thing is to help the patients with anorexia to understand what the illness is all about. Conclusions:Self-abuse, fear, and anxiety can be overcome with the love and joy of life: ''the appetite for life.''