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Edwards C, Mahoney B, Richardson EV, Lowe B. Staying isolated indoors means that nobody sees me": ontological (in)security and living with significant appearance concerns before, during, and 'since' COVID-19. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2024; 19:2374779. [PMID: 38958499 PMCID: PMC11225628 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2024.2374779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Though a worldwide period of uncertainty (COVID-19) has 'ended', there exists a legacy of maladaptive experiences among people with significant appearance concerns (SAC) that requires care and attention. METHODS Using Giddens' concept of ontological security, we explored how people experienced their SAC before, during and "since" COVID-19. Qualitative surveys allowed us to capture diverse perspectives from individuals transnationally, analysed with deductive reflexive thematic analysis using ontological security as our theoretical foundation. RESULTS Themes named "More Mirror(ed) Time" and "Locked Out, Shut Down, and Shut Out" gave a contextual grounding for the embodied experiences of this group through times of social restrictions, and the theme "Redefining Relevance" explored the continued legacy of COVID-19 - and continued global uncertainties such as economic hardship and warfare - that impact the wellbeing of people with SAC. CONCLUSIONS People with SAC are still 'locked out' from essential healthcare support as those providing healthcare are overworked, under-resourced and rely on efficient interactive methods such as tele-health that may be triggers for people with SAC. Care providers may consider expanding appearance concerns verbiage, look to involve trusted others in the care-seeking process, and utilize modalities beyond digital health to support people with SAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Edwards
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK
| | | | - Emma V. Richardson
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK
| | - Beck Lowe
- School of Psychology, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK
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2
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Yim SH. Clinician bodies in eating disorder services: a commentary. Eat Disord 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38845209 DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2024.2358267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
This article discusses the important yet under-addressed issue of clinician bodies within eating disorder services. I would like to further the discussion on a particular correspondence in, where a professional who was perceived as dangerously thin was challenged and confronted by their colleagues in a work setting. This article will consider the issue from four perspectives, being the implications for the therapeutic relationship, how we approach biases and assumptions about weight and body size, ethical and legal issues, and how to manage lived experience. I argue for a more nuanced, considered approach towards professionals in the field before decisions are made to manage or confront them.
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Affiliation(s)
- See Heng Yim
- Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW), Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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3
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Billman Miller MG, Gioia AN, Essayli JH, Forrest LN. Few differences in psychiatric comorbidities and treatment response among people with anorexia nervosa and atypical anorexia nervosa. Int J Eat Disord 2024; 57:809-818. [PMID: 37737487 DOI: 10.1002/eat.24046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Little is known about how individuals with atypical anorexia nervosa (AN) respond to eating disorder (ED) treatment in a partial hospitalization program (PHP), nor how certain factors such as trauma, childhood abuse, psychiatric comorbidity, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors might contribute to poor treatment outcomes. Thus, the current study (1) compares prevalence of these factors between individuals with AN and atypical AN upon admission to an ED PHP, (2) compares PHP treatment response between groups, and (3) investigates whether experiencing these factors impacts treatment outcomes. METHOD We conducted a retrospective chart review of young adults admitted to a PHP with AN (n = 95) and atypical AN (n = 59). Histories of psychiatric comorbidities and adverse childhood experiences were obtained from initial psychiatric evaluations. ED symptoms were assessed at intake and discharge with the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q). RESULTS No significant differences were found at intake in ED symptom severity or prevalence of lifetime trauma, childhood abuse, number of psychiatric diagnoses, or suicidal thoughts and behavior. Symptomatology at discharge also did not differ between groups. Emotional abuse was significantly related to discharge shape and weight overvaluation. No other intake characteristics were significantly related to discharge symptomatology. DISCUSSION To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare the prevalence of comorbidities for both AN and atypical AN, as well as differential treatment outcomes for these individuals in a PHP. Results add to growing literature suggesting that, other than weight, AN and atypical AN have few properties that reliably distinguish them from one another. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE This study adds to a growing body of literature that raises questions about whether anorexia nervosa (AN) and atypical AN are truly different diagnoses. Our findings suggest these two groups present to treatment in a partial hospitalization program (PHP) with similar ED symptoms, as well as prevalence of lifetime trauma, childhood abuse, suicidal thoughts and behavior, and number of psychiatric comorbidities, and demonstrate similar treatment trajectories in PHP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ayla N Gioia
- Department of Psychology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, USA
| | - Jamal H Essayli
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lauren N Forrest
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
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Matthews A, Lin J, Jhe G, Peters T, Sim L, Hebebrand J. Differentiating anorexia nervosa and atypical anorexia nervosa with absolute weight cut-offs results in a skewed distribution for premorbid weight among youth. Int J Eat Disord 2024; 57:983-992. [PMID: 38459568 DOI: 10.1002/eat.24188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Anorexia nervosa (AN) and atypical AN are conceptualized as distinct illnesses, despite similar characteristics and sequelae. Whereas DSM-5 differentiates youth with AN and atypical AN by the presence of clinical 'underweight' (i.e., 5th BMI percentile for age-and-sex (BMI%)), we hypothesized that using this weight cut-off to discern diagnoses creates a skewed distribution for premorbid weight. METHOD Participants included hospitalized youth with AN (n = 165, 43.1%) and atypical AN (n = 218, 56.9%). Frequency analyses and chi-square tests assessed the distribution of premorbid BMI z-scores (BMIz) for diagnosis. Non-parametric Spearman correlations and Stepwise Linear regressions examined relationships between premorbid BMIz, admission BMIz, and weight loss in kg. RESULTS Premorbid BMIz distributions differed significantly for diagnosis (p < .001), with an underrepresentation of 'overweight/obesity' (i.e., BMI% ≥ 85th) in AN. Despite commensurate weight loss in AN and atypical AN, patients with premorbid 'overweight/obesity' were 8.31 times more likely to have atypical AN than patients with premorbid BMI% < 85th. Premorbid BMIz explained 57% and 39% of the variance in admission BMIz and weight loss, respectively. DISCUSSION Findings support a homogenous model of AN and atypical AN, with weight loss predicted by premorbid BMI in both illnesses. Accordingly, premorbid BMI and weight loss (versus presenting BMI) may better denote the presence of an AN-like phenotype across the weight spectrum. Findings also suggest that differentiating diagnoses with BMI% < 5th requires that youth with higher BMIs lose disproportionately more weight for an AN diagnosis. This is problematic given unique treatment barriers experienced in atypical AN. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE Anorexia nervosa (AN) and atypical AN are considered distinct conditions in youth, with differential diagnosis hinging upon a presenting weight status of 'underweight' (i.e., BMI percentile for age-and-sex (BMI%) < 5th). In our study, youth with premorbid 'overweight/obesity' (BMI% ≥ 85th) disproportionately remained above this threshold, despite similar weight loss. Coupled with prior evidence for commensurate characteristics and sequelae in both diagnoses, we propose that DSM-5 differentiation of AN and atypical AN inadvertently reinforces weight stigma and may contribute to treatment disparities in atypical AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Matthews
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jessica Lin
- Division of Adolescent and Transition Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Grace Jhe
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Triinu Peters
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Leslie Sim
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Johannes Hebebrand
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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5
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Meneguzzo P, Antoniades A, Garolla A, Tozzi F, Todisco P. Predictors of psychopathology response in atypical anorexia nervosa following inpatient treatment: A propensity score matching study of weight suppression and weight loss speed. Int J Eat Disord 2024; 57:1002-1007. [PMID: 38191854 DOI: 10.1002/eat.24135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study examines weight suppression (WS) and weight loss speed (WLS) in atypical anorexia nervosa (AN) and its implications for treatment outcomes, compared to people with AN and bulimia nervosa (BN). METHOD A mixed cross-sectional and prospective design was employed, assessing WS and WLS in people with atypical AN, AN, and BN. Participants were matched for age, gender, age of onset, and disorder duration. Clinical measurements and eating disorders questionnaire (EDE-Q) scores were employed to evaluate the response to treatment. RESULTS Individuals with atypical individuals exhibited WS patterns similar to AN, distinct from BN. Rapid WLS predicted clinical responses in atypical AN and BN, underscoring its treatment relevance. Atypical AN showed higher eating psychopathology scores than AN or BN, emphasizing the need for a reframed diagnosis. DISCUSSION Understanding atypical AN's connection to restrictive behaviors and weight loss informs screening, assessment, and treatment practices. Recognition of atypical AN's severity and adoption of tailored approaches are essential for recovery. This study highlights the significance of WS and WLS in atypical AN treatment outcomes, offering insights into clinical practice and care. The proposal to reframe atypical AN as a restrictive eating disorder emphasizes its clinical relevance. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The phenomenon of weight suppression, involving the discrepancy between past highest weight and current weight, has garnered attention due to cultural pressures emphasizing fitness and appearance. This study focuses on its implications in atypical anorexia nervosa, aiming to uncover the relationship between WS, its speed, and treatment outcomes. The investigation contributes insights into tailored interventions for atypical anorexia nervosa and enriches the understanding of this complex disorder's dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Meneguzzo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Alice Garolla
- Eating Disorders Unit, Casa di Cura "Villa Margherita", Italy
| | - Federica Tozzi
- Research & Development, Stremble Ventures, Limassol, Cyprus
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6
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Johnson-Munguia S, Negi S, Chen Y, Thomeczek ML, Forbush KT. Eating disorder psychopathology, psychiatric impairment, and symptom frequency of atypical anorexia nervosa versus anorexia nervosa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Eat Disord 2024; 57:761-779. [PMID: 37317625 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Restrictive eating disorders (EDs) occur across the weight spectrum, but historically more focus has been given to anorexia nervosa (AN) than atypical anorexia nervosa (atypAN). AtypAN's relegation to a diagnosis in the "other specified feeding and eating disorder" (OSFED) category and paucity of research surrounding atypAN invariably implies a less clinically severe ED. However, a growing body of research has begun to question the assumption that atypAN is less severe than AN. The current review and meta-analysis aimed to provide a comprehensive review to compare atypAN and AN on measures of eating disorder psychopathology, impairment, and symptom frequency to test whether atypAN is truly less clinically severe than AN. METHODS Twenty articles that reported on atypAN and AN for at least one of the variables of interest were retrieved from PsycInfo, PubMed, and ProQuest. RESULTS For eating-disorder psychopathology, results indicated that differences were nonsignificant for most indicators; however, atypAN was associated with significantly higher shape concern, weight concern, drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction, and overall eating-disorder psychopathology than AN. Results indicated that atypAN and AN did not significantly differ on clinical impairment or the frequency of inappropriate compensatory behaviors, whereas there was a significantly higher frequency of objective binge episodes in AN (vs. atypAN). DISCUSSION Overall, findings indicated that, in contrast to the current classification system, atypAN and AN were not clinically distinct. Results underscore the need for equal access to treatment and equal insurance coverage for restrictive EDs across the weight spectrum. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE The current meta-analysis found that atypAN was associated with higher drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction, shape concern, weight concern, and overall eating-disorder psychopathology than AN; whereas AN was associated with higher frequency of objective binge eating. Individuals with AN and atypAN did not differ on psychiatric impairment, quality-of-life, or frequency of compensatory behaviors, highlighting the need for equal access to care for restrictive EDs across the weight spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sonakshi Negi
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Yiyang Chen
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | | | - Kelsie T Forbush
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
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7
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Purvis F, Snowden J. Psychologically informed care of patients with anorexia nervosa on an acute medical ward. Nurs Stand 2024; 39:38-43. [PMID: 38152022 DOI: 10.7748/ns.2023.e12199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa is a challenging and highly distressing illness associated with significant and often debilitating symptoms that affect the person's physical and mental well-being, as well as their wider social networks. Although some patients can make important steps in their recovery in the community, many will become significantly unwell and require medical stabilisation and refeeding in an acute medical ward as a result of significant weight loss. This article describes some of the challenges experienced by adult nurses when caring for patients with anorexia nervosa on acute medical wards and explores how the patient's distress may manifest and complicate the recovery process. The article also discusses the principles of psychologically informed care and therapeutic interactions that nurses can use to promote recovery and ensure optimal practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Purvis
- Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Hampshire, England
| | - Jasmine Snowden
- Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Hampshire, England
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8
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Harrop EN, Hutcheson R, Harner V, Mensinger JL, Lindhorst T. "You Don't Look Anorexic": Atypical anorexia patient experiences of weight stigma in medical care. Body Image 2023; 46:48-61. [PMID: 37236121 PMCID: PMC10524894 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Eating disorders (ED) and weight stigma pose significant healthcare challenges. Patients at higher weights, like some with atypical anorexia (AAN), may face increased challenges due to weight stigma. This study analyzed patients' lived experiences with weight stigma in healthcare. Thirty-eight adult patients with AAN completed in-depth, semi-structured interviews regarding healthcare experiences. Guided by narrative inquiry approaches, transcripts were thematically coded. Across the illness trajectory (ED development, pre-treatment, treatment, post-treatment), patients reported that weight stigma in healthcare contributed to initiation and persistence of ED behaviors. Themes included "providers pathologizing patient weight," which patients reported triggered ED behaviors and relapse, "provider minimization and denial" of patients' EDs, which contributed to delays in screening and care, and "overt forms of weight discrimination," leading to healthcare avoidance. Participants reported that weight stigma prolonged ED behaviors, delayed care, created suboptimal treatment environments, deterred help-seeking, and lowered healthcare utilization. This suggests that many providers (pediatricians, primary care providers, ED treatment specialists, other healthcare specialists) may inadvertently reinforce patients' EDs. Increasing training, screening for EDs across the weight spectrum, and targeting health behavior promotion rather than universal weight loss, could enhance quality of care and improve healthcare engagement for patients with EDs, particularly those at higher weights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin N Harrop
- University of Washington School of Social Work, 4101 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work, 2148 South High Street, Denver, CO 80208, USA.
| | - Rebecca Hutcheson
- University of Washington School of Public Health, Hans Rosling Center for Population Health, 3980 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Vern Harner
- University of Washington School of Social Work, 4101 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Janell L Mensinger
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing at Villanova University, 800 E. Lancaster Ave., Villanova, PA 19085, USA; Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA
| | - Taryn Lindhorst
- University of Washington School of Social Work, 4101 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
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9
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Sharpe SL, Adams M, Smith EK, Urban B, Silverstein S. Inaccessibility of care and inequitable conceptions of suffering: a collective response to the construction of "terminal" anorexia nervosa. J Eat Disord 2023; 11:66. [PMID: 37131268 PMCID: PMC10152768 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00791-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Informed by our lived experiences with eating disorders, our work providing direct support to communities underserved by existing healthcare structures, and our commitment to social justice, we are deeply troubled by several aspects of the proposed characteristics for "terminal" anorexia nervosa outlined by Gaudiani et al. in Journal of Eating Disorders (10:23, 2022). We have identified two substantial areas of concern in the proposed characteristics provided by Gaudiani et al. and the subsequent publication by Yager et al. (10:123, 2022). First, the original article and the subsequent publication fail to adequately address the widespread inaccessibility of eating disorder treatment, the lack of parameters for what constitutes "high quality care", and the prevalence of trauma experienced in treatment settings for those who do access treatment. Second, the characteristics proposed for "terminal" anorexia nervosa are constructed largely based on subjective and inconsistent valuations of suffering which build on and contribute to harmful and inaccurate eating disorder stereotypes. Overall, we believe these proposed characteristics in their current form stand to detract from, rather than assist, the ability of patients and providers to make informed, compassionate, and patient-centered decisions about safety and autonomy both for individuals with enduring eating disorders and for individuals with more recently diagnosed eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam L Sharpe
- Fighting Eating Disorders in Underrepresented Populations (FEDUP) Collective, 4400 North Congress Avenue Suite 100, West Palm Beach, FL, 33407, USA.
| | - Marissa Adams
- Fighting Eating Disorders in Underrepresented Populations (FEDUP) Collective, 4400 North Congress Avenue Suite 100, West Palm Beach, FL, 33407, USA
| | - Emil K Smith
- Fighting Eating Disorders in Underrepresented Populations (FEDUP) Collective, 4400 North Congress Avenue Suite 100, West Palm Beach, FL, 33407, USA
| | - Bek Urban
- Fighting Eating Disorders in Underrepresented Populations (FEDUP) Collective, 4400 North Congress Avenue Suite 100, West Palm Beach, FL, 33407, USA
| | - Scout Silverstein
- Fighting Eating Disorders in Underrepresented Populations (FEDUP) Collective, 4400 North Congress Avenue Suite 100, West Palm Beach, FL, 33407, USA
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10
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Pautrat M, Renard C, Riffault V, Ciolfi D, Edeline A, Breton H, Brunault P, Lebeau JP. Cross-analyzing addiction specialist and patient opinions and experiences about addictive disorder screening in primary care to identify interaction-related obstacles: a qualitative study. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2023; 18:12. [PMID: 36803797 PMCID: PMC9938560 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-023-00522-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Promptly identifying individuals with addictive disorders reduces mortality and morbidity and improves quality of life. Although screening in primary care with the Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral Treatment strategy has been recommended since 2008, it remains underutilized. This may be due to barriers including lack of time, patient reluctance or perhaps the timing and approach for discussing addiction with their patients. OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore and cross-analyze patient and addiction specialist experiences and opinions about early addictive disorder screening in primary care to identify interaction-related screening obstacles. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS Qualitative study with purposive maximum variation sampling among nine addiction specialists and eight individuals with addiction disorders conducted between April 2017 and November 2019 in Val-de-Loire, France. MAIN MEASURES Using a grounded theory approach, verbatim data was collected from face-to-face interviews with addiction specialists and individuals with addiction disorders. These interviews explored their opinions and experiences with addiction screening in primary care. Initially, two independent investigators analyzed the coded verbatim according to the data triangulation principle. Secondly, convergences and divergences between addiction specialist and addict verbatim categories were identified, analyzed, and conceptualized. KEY RESULTS Four main interaction-related obstacles to early addictive disorder screening in primary care were identified and conceptualized: the new concepts of shared self-censorship and the patient's personal red line, issues not addressed during consultations, and opposition between how physicians and patients would like to approach addictive disorder screening. CONCLUSIONS To continue analysis of addictive disorder screening dynamics, further studies to examine the perspectives of all those involved in primary care are required. The information revealed from these studies will provide ideas to help patients and caregivers start discussing addiction and to help implement a collaborative team-based care approach. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study is registered with the Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertés (CNIL) under No. 2017-093.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Pautrat
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tours, 10 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37000, Tours, France.
- Department of General Practice, Tours Regional University Hospital, Tours, France.
| | - Caroline Renard
- Department of General Practice, Tours Regional University Hospital, Tours, France
| | - Vincent Riffault
- Department of General Practice, Tours Regional University Hospital, Tours, France
| | - David Ciolfi
- Department of General Practice, Tours Regional University Hospital, Tours, France
| | - Agathe Edeline
- Department of General Practice, Tours Regional University Hospital, Tours, France
| | - Hervé Breton
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tours, 10 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37000, Tours, France
- Department of General Practice, Tours Regional University Hospital, Tours, France
| | - Paul Brunault
- Department of General Practice, Tours Regional University Hospital, Tours, France
- UMR 1253, iBrain, University of Tours, Inserm, Tours, France
- Qualipsy EE 1901, University of Tours, Tours, France
- Équipe de Liaison et de Soins en Addictologie, CHRU de Tours, Service d'Addictologie Universitaire, Tours, France
| | - Jean Pierre Lebeau
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tours, 10 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37000, Tours, France
- Department of General Practice, Tours Regional University Hospital, Tours, France
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11
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Barko EB, Moorman SM. Weighing in: qualitative explorations of weight restoration as recovery in anorexia nervosa. J Eat Disord 2023; 11:14. [PMID: 36721222 PMCID: PMC9887881 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00736-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anorexia Nervosa (AN) continues to capture the public's imagination, centered around physical appearance, particularly weight. Clinical conceptions of AN also emphasize weight. The objective of this study was to explore how individuals with lived AN experience thought about the role of weight in illness and recovery. METHODS The current study employed a grounded theory approach through qualitative inductive inquiry and analysis of 150 anonymous narratives, exploring firsthand experience of AN and recovery of adult individuals, based in the United States of America. RESULTS Individuals with AN histories contested intersecting popular cultural and medical presumptions of their health and illness positioned in weight. Respondents indicated that while weight does not measure recovery, it matters to recovery in unanticipated ways. Others' expectations for a low weight served as a gatekeeper to various forms of social and institutional support. Respondents felt that the weight obsessions of other people made it difficult to earn the illness legitimacy to access sufficient care. CONCLUSIONS Research findings bear implications for future AN research, advocacy, and clinical practice, as respondents pivot research emphasis from weight as a sociocultural motivation for AN, to weight as a sociocultural obstacle to AN recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily B Barko
- Department of Sociology, Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, McGuinn Hall 426, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA.
| | - Sara M Moorman
- Department of Sociology, Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, McGuinn Hall 426, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
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12
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Elwyn R. A lived experience response to the proposed diagnosis of terminal anorexia nervosa: learning from iatrogenic harm, ambivalence and enduring hope. J Eat Disord 2023; 11:2. [PMID: 36604749 PMCID: PMC9815687 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00729-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The ethical approach to treatment non-response and treatment refusal in severe-enduring anorexia nervosa (SE-AN) is the source of significant ethical debate, particularly given the risk of death by suicide or medical complications. A recent article proposed criteria to define when anorexia nervosa (AN) can be diagnosed as 'terminal' in order to facilitate euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide (EAS), otherwise known as medical assistance in dying, for individuals who wish to be relieved of suffering and accept treatment as 'futile'. This author utilises their personal lived experience to reflect on the issues raised, including: treatment refusal, iatrogenic harm, suicidality and desire to end suffering, impact of diagnosis/prognosis, schemas, alexithymia, countertransference, ambivalence, and holding on to hope. Within debates as critical as the bioethics of involuntary treatment, end-of-life and EAS in eating disorders, it is crucial that the literature includes multiple cases and perspectives of individuals with SE-AN that represent a wide range of experiences and explores the complexity of enduring AN illness, complex beliefs, communication patterns and relational dynamics that occur in SE-AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosiel Elwyn
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD, Australia.
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