Adolescent inpatient treatment for anorexia nervosa: A qualitative study exploring young adults' retrospective views of treatment and discharge

Journal article

Objective: To explore young adults' views regarding: the inpatient treatment they received for anorexia nervosa during their adolescences; their experiences of discharge; and the impact their admission had on issues of control and low self-esteem. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven young adults treated in general adolescent psychiatric units. Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: Four super-ordinate themes emerged from participants' accounts: (1) Removal from normality versus connecting with the outside world; (2) Treated as another anorexic versus a unique individual in distress; (3) Control and collaboration; (4) The importance of peer relationships. Discussion: Findings unique to this study concerned a sense of feeling removed and disconnected from 'normality'; a feeling that one's developmental needs were not always addressed; and the importance placed on supportive relationships with fellow patients. It was also found that authoritarian approaches may compound patients' feelings of ineffectiveness, worthlessness and isolation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley and Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.

Authors: Offord, A; Turner, H; Cooper, M

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW
• Volume: 14
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 377-387
• Publication date: 2006-01-01
• DOI: 10.1002/erv.687
• EISSN: 1099-0968
• ISSN: 1072-4133
• Language: English
• Keywords: anorexia nervosa; adolescent; inpatient; qualitative research