title: Eating disorders patients' views on their disorders and on an outpatient service: a qualitative study.
abstract: The objective of the study was to determine sufferers' views of outpatient treatment for eating disorders and provide practical recommendations for treatment practice. Twenty NHS outpatients participated in semi-structured interviews, which were subjected to thematic analysis. Respondents expressed ambivalence about whether their eating disorder is a way of exerting control or a disorder that controls them and this leads to them seeking treatment. Sufferers preferred a practical and sensitive approach and began to rely on treatment for recovery. Treatment needs to facilitate sufferers' need for control by striking a balance between practical and empathetic approaches that both involve patients in treatment decisions and give authoritative guidance.
authors.affiliation: Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, UK. mreid@qmu.ac.uk
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Reid
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Burr
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hammersley
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D052018:Bulimia Nervosa / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003142:Communication; D003858:Dependency, Psychological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012803:Sick Role; D055815:Young Adult