The experience of specialist inpatient treatment for anorexia nervosa: A qualitative study from adult patients’ perspectives

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to explore experiences of women currently undergoing specialist inpatient treatment for anorexia nervosa. Interviews were carried out with 21 women with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa from a specialist adult inpatient eating disorder unit. Five master themes emerged using thematic analysis: (1) shifts in control, (2) experience of transition, (3) importance of supportive staff relationships, (4) sharing with peers and (5) process of recovery and self-discovery. Findings suggest that patients experience a process of change and adjustment in relation to levels of perceived personal control, attachment to the treatment environment and a sense of self-identity.

Patients’ perspective of a group intervention for perfectionism in anorexia nervosa: A qualitative study

“…This is in line with previous qualitative studies (e.g. Smith et al, 2016) where patients have highlighted that they valued the shared understanding with their peers. This supports the finding that delivering psychological interventions in a group format can bring unique benefits that are not achievable when working with patients individually (Tchanturia and Sparrow, 2015).…”

‘Eating disorders are not about food, they’re about life’: Client perspectives on anorexia nervosa treatment

“…Smith et al, 2014). For example in their review of qualitative studies examining the views of adolescent clients towards AN treatment, Westwood and Kendal (2012) found a clear preference for treatment:…”

“…This body of research is relatively small and has focused primarily on sufferers' experiences of inpatient treatment (e.g., Colton & Pistrang, 2004;Fox & Diab, 2015;Gremillion, 2002;Offord, Turner & Cooper, 2006;Smith et al, 2014). These studies have contributed to the debate by highlighting patients' perceptions of various elements of hospital treatment (e.g., finding peer relationships both helpful and unhelpful; welcoming and resenting control being taken away), but they examine only a part of the ED treatment system.…”

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

“…Studies of experience of inpatient treatment for AN demonstrate similar aspirations and the complex influence of treatment milieu on experience [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22]. Consistent with research into community treatment, associating premature discontinuation of treatment with perceptions of 'not enough freedom' , 'treatment being too difficult' and 'lack of trust' [20,23,24], inpatients emphasise the importance of addressing emotional distress in addition to medical needs, and predictability in relationships with staff [18][19][20][21].…”

“…Consistent with research into community treatment, associating premature discontinuation of treatment with perceptions of 'not enough freedom' , 'treatment being too difficult' and 'lack of trust' [20,23,24], inpatients emphasise the importance of addressing emotional distress in addition to medical needs, and predictability in relationships with staff [18][19][20][21]. A secure, trusting therapeutic relationship and therapist attributes are recurrently identified as critical to engagement and satisfaction with services [14,[13][14][15][16][17].…”