The Individual Within a Condition: A Qualitative Study of Young People's Reflections on Being Treated for Anorexia Nervosa.
Tierney S.
BACKGROUND: Anorexia nervosa is a mental health problem that can seriously impede the physical, social, and psychological functioning of those who develop it. Unfortunately, outcome for this patient group, even after treatment, is not necessarily promising. OBJECTIVE: To explore the views of young people about being treated for anorexia. DESIGN: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 adolescents. All interviews were recorded with participants' written consent and transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was applied to these data. RESULTS: Five themes were derived from the analysis: a) accessing appropriate care, b) balancing the physical and psychological, c) qualities required in professionals, d) help from nonprofessional routes, and e) perceived progress. CONCLUSIONS: Participants were clear about needing to be motivated to change. Practitioners can help by challenging patients in a nonconfrontational manner, treating them as individuals rather than cases of anorexia, and considering their psychosocial and physical functioning. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc, 2008; 13(6), 368.-375. DOI: 10.1177/1078390307309215.