Effective Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa: The Recovered Patient's View

Abstract

The existing outcome research on the efficacy of treatment of anorexia nervosa yields minimal insight regarding the nature of the recovery process and the quality of life pursuant to recovery. A primary problem is the omission of direct inquiry of recovered patients. This study, utilizing intensive interviewing of 25 recovered anorexics, finds that few who received formal treatment believe it was essential to their recovery. Many experience the therapeutic experience as duplicating the dynamics and problems leading to the illness. Citing insufficient attention to eating behavior, body image, and family dynamics, the interviews also reveal that factors essential to a therapeutic relationship are more often found in relationships outside of treatment. Recovery occurs over time as the anorexic accepts and adapts to the problems in the systems around her and in turn accepts herself. Findings validate the need for an existential, systems-oriented approach in the treatment of anorexic patients.

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