Perceptions and experiences with eating disorder treatment in the first year of COVID-19: A longitudinal qualitative analysis

A Qualitative Exploration of Prominent Factors Contributing to the Aetiology of Child and Adolescent Eating Disorder Presentations during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Perspectives of Patients, Parents and Clinicians

AIM

The aim of this study was to explore the prominent factors that contributed to the development of child and adolescent eating disorder presentations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This was achieved through a qualitative analysis of interviews gathered from (1) adolescent patients diagnosed with an eating disorder (ED) during the COVID-19 pandemic (aged 13-18) (n = 4), (2) parents of patients attending an ED service (n = 7) and (3) clinicians working within a specialist child and adolescent ED support service (n = 7). Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and establish the most prominent aetiological factors reported.

RESULTS

The most prominent aetiological factors reported were (1) the accumulation of risk factors; (2) seeking control amid increased anxiety, stress and uncertainty; (3) social isolation; (4) an increased focus on exercise and "healthy eating"; (5) increased social media use promoting unhelpful attention towards ED triggers; and (6) a lack of both awareness and support services.

CONCLUSION

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the quantity and severity of ED presentations increased. The current study uncovered six themes perceived by patients, parents and clinical staff that contributed to the aetiology of ED presentations during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is hoped that the insight gained through this research study into ED aetiology may act as a basis for further research and support ED awareness, prevention and intervention in the future.

Perspectives on relapse prevention following intensive treatment of anorexia nervosa: A focus group study

OBJECTIVE

Including the perspectives of individuals with lived experience of mental health issues is a critical step in research and treatment development. Focus groups with patients with a history of treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN) were conducted in anticipation of a clinical trial of Relapse Prevention and Changing Habits (REACH+).

METHODS

Seven female adults (23-51 years) who had previously received inpatient treatment for AN, now in remission, participated in one of two semistructured focus groups. Rapid qualitative analysis was used to examine participants' contributions and identify common topics.

RESULTS

Transcript analysis yielded three topics related to relapse prevention: (1) recovery aids, including a sense of agency in treatment decisions and finding new interests/passions, (2) recovery hindrances, such as lack of access to care, and (3) identification of members of support system. Aspects of REACH+ received positive feedback, such as continuity of care from the inpatient setting and the use of telehealth. Viewpoints differed with respect to the helpfulness of obtaining patient weights in treatment. The REACH+ online platform received positive comments regarding content and usability, as well as suggestions for additional content.

DISCUSSION

Qualitative feedback from patients with a history of AN highlighted the value of engaging patients in their own treatment decisions, as well as in treatment design and innovation. Within this small group, there were differences of opinion about treatment components, specifically weight assessment, that suggest the need for further data. User-centered design provides opportunities to improve the acceptability and, therefore, dissemination of novel treatments.

PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE

Relapse prevention is a critical treatment need for patients with anorexia nervosa, as this illness too often follows a protracted course. There are challenges in both obtaining specialized care and in retaining patients in treatment. Here, patient perspectives on these challenges offer input to allow for optimization of relapse prevention treatment. Shared decision-making may be particularly valuable to support an individual's sense of agency and engagement in care.