title: The process of help-seeking in anorexia nervosa: patients' perspective of first contact with health services.
abstract: In this study we explored circumstances, reflections, and reactions to first treatment contact in 34 women (aged 18-51) diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN) (DSM-IV). Using methods from grounded theory we identified how the meeting came about, what motivated the patients, and how they reacted to the conversation. The results suggest that (a) health care professionals need to demonstrate effective professional communication skills and proficient knowledge about eating disorders in early contacts; (b) treatment goals other than recovery from AN should be explored; and
authors.affiliation: a Division of Mental Health , Norwegian Institute of Public Health , Oslo , Norway.
authors.forename: Kjersti S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Gulliksen
authors.forename: Ragnfrid H S
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Nordbø
authors.forename: Ester M S
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Espeset
authors.forename: Finn
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Skårderud
authors.forename: Arne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Holte
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D066296:Grounded Theory; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D055815:Young Adult