What are the experiences of adolescents during the recovery process from Anorexia Nervosa after receiving inpatient treatment? : an interpretative phenomenological analysis study

Background: Evidence suggests that eating disorders appear to be a significant issue in the United Kingdom. Report also suggests that people with eating disorders have a higher rate of mortality, with Anorexia Nervosa having the highest risk of mortality within eating disorders. Adolescents are most likely to be at risk suggesting closer attention should be given to this population. Despite the move towards outpatient services, inpatient treatment remains important to Anorexia Nervosa treatment for adolescents due to its life threatening features. Studies however indicate that a high number of patients who are discharged from inpatient treatment often relapse. Qualitative studies into the experiences of anorexic sufferers has shown that improvement during the recovery process may lead to new difficulties particularly in regards to managing their negative feelings without restricting their dietary intake. Most studies that have explored the experiences of people with Anorexia Nervosa tend to report more on their experience of treatment interventions. Furthermore, the limited research literature on recovery tends to focus more on adult experiences whilst little attention is given to the experience of adolescents. Aim: This study aims to contribute towards the topic as it explores the experiences of adolescents during the recovery process from Anorexia Nervosa after receiving inpatient treatment. Methodology: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four adolescents who had been discharged into the community following inpatient treatment for Anorexia Nervosa. Results: From the analysis, the following four super-ordinate themes emerged from the data: self & recovery; relational; the world against me: back in the world; and psychological recovery vs. physical recovery. Conclusions: The findings highlight the impact of inpatient treatment on adolescents as well as the different roles played by parents, friends, and therapists in maintaining the course of recovery for adolescents with AN following their discharge from inpatient treatment. The findings also inform counselling psychologists as to how best to help adolescents manage the challenges they may face in the later stages of their recovery after discharge from inpatient treatment. Evaluation of the current study is followed by recommendations for future research.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

other

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

London Metropolitan University

Year dc:date.issued

2018

Author dc:creator

• Olawale, Oluwapelumi

• 610 Medicine & health

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

N/A

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.londonmet.ac.uk:3534