What can we learn from consumer studies and qualitative research in the treatment of eating disorders?
The aim of this paper is to review all qualitative research and questionnaire surveys with people who have experienced an eating disorder or received treatment for it. Studies were identified on PubMed and PsychInfo. Twenty-three studies were identified and key findings are reviewed. Support and understanding are critical aspects of treatment perceived as helpful. Empathic relationships, whether professional or non-professional, were reported as essential to recovery. Psychological interventions (counselling and therapy) are the most popular and perceived as the most helpful. Many patients report that "medical interventions" were unhelpful. Interventions which focus exclusively on weight are reported negatively and many studies identify the importance of addressing wider issues than food and weight in treatment.
Bell
L
L
Eating Disorders Team, Park Way Centre, Havant, UK. lorraine.Bell@porthctr.swest.nhs.uk
D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002032:Bulimia / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003376:Counseling / Q000592:standards; D004645:Empathy; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009341:Negativism; D010352:Patient Dropouts / Q000523:psychology; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000592:standards; D036301:Qualitative Research; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000592:standards; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome