Abstract
Previous research indicates adults with eating disorders (EDs) report smaller social networks, and difficulties with social functioning, alongside demonstrating difficulties recognising and regulating emotions in social contexts. Concurrently, those recovered from the illness have discussed the vital role offered by social support and interaction in their recovery. To date, little is known about the social skills and social networks of adolescents with EDs and this study aimed to conduct focus groups to explore the social functioning of 17 inpatients aged 12–17. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and six core themes were identified: group belonging, self-monitoring, social sensitivity, impact of hospitalisation, limited coping strategies and strategies for service provision. Key areas for service provision were: management of anxiety, development and/or maintenance of a social network and development of inter and intrapersonal skills. The most salient finding was that adolescents with EDs reported social difficulties which appeared to persist over and above those typically experienced at this point in the lifespan and therefore a key area for future focus is the development of appropriate coping strategies and solutions to deal with these reported difficulties.
Highlights
Eating disorders (EDs), including anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN) are serious and complex mental illnesses which have a biopsychosocial pathogenesis and may take a chronic and disabling course
Of 26 patients admitted to the service at the time of recruitment, (21 with a diagnosis of restricting AN, two with a diagnosis of binge-purge subtype AN and three with a diagnosis of pervasive arousal withdrawal syndrome), 14 agreed to participate in the focus groups and 3 agreed to participate through individual interviews
All patients regardless of diagnosis were invited to participate in this study, this study cohort consisted of those diagnosed with AN restrictive subtype
Summary
Eating disorders (EDs), including anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN) are serious and complex mental illnesses which have a biopsychosocial pathogenesis and may take a chronic and disabling course. EDs impact physical and psychological health, but have been shown to significantly affect quality of life, relationship status and educational achievement [1]. The lifetime prevalence of AN is 0.8% and 2.6% for BN [2], with a peak age of onset between 13–18 years [3]. AN has a mortality rate of at least 5–6%, the highest of any psychiatric illness, and is described as one of the most treatment-resistant psychological illnesses [4].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
