title: Family work in anorexia nervosa: a qualitative study of carers' experiences of two methods of family intervention.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Qualitative methods can aid in the development of complex interventions.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Qualitative methodology was used to examine treatment efficacy, carer satisfaction and process of change in carers of people with anorexia nervosa who participated in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing individual family work (IFW) and multi-(dual) family workshops.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-three carers were interviewed. Themes were developed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Carers who worked with another family described this as beneficial. There was dissatisfaction about a lack of structure perceived in the IFW. Most carers felt the interventions helped them communicate, understand the illness and gain personal and familial insight. Although there was lack of consensus on the most helpful techniques, carers felt sessions should focus on individual relationships and practical guidance for challenging behaviour.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Carers valued structured, skills-based interventions. The inclusion of multiple families may reduce carer blame and isolation and facilitate skills-based learning.
authors: Vincent Square Eating Disorders Service, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, Victoria, London, UK. jenna.whitney@nhs.net
authors: Jenna
authors: J
authors: Whitney
authors: Laura
authors: L
authors: Currin
authors: Joanna
authors: J
authors: Murray
authors: Janet
authors: J
authors: Treasure
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D004493:Education; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult