Eating disorders patients' views on their disorders and on an outpatient service : a qualitative study
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Date
2008-10Author
Reid, Marie
Burr, Jennifer
Williams, Sarah
Hammersley, Richard
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Reid, M., Burr, J., Williams, S. & Hammersley, R. (2008) Eating disorders patients' views on their disorders and on an outpatient service : a qualitative study, Journal of Health Psychology, vol. 13, , pp. 956-960,
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.