Abstract
BackgroundEating disorders (EDs) typically have their onset during adolescence or the transition to adulthood. Emerging adulthood (~ 18–25 years) is a developmental phase which conceptually overlaps with adolescence but also has unique characteristics (e.g. increased independence). Emerging adults tend to come to ED services later in illness than adolescents, and emerging adulthood’s unique characteristics may contribute to such delays.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore attitudes towards ED symptoms, and their implications for help-seeking, amongst emerging adults receiving ED treatment through FREED, an early intervention care pathway.MethodParticipants were 14 emerging adults (mean age 20.9 years; SD = 2.0), all currently receiving specialist treatment for a first-episode, recent-onset (< 3 years) ED. Semi-structured interviews relating to experiences of help-seeking were conducted, and data were analysed thematically.ResultsSymptom egosyntonicity, gradual reappraisal and feelings of exclusion from ED discourse were key attitudinal phases prior to help-seeking, each of which had distinct implications for help-seeking.ConclusionsEmerging adults with first-episode EDs show a distinct set of help-seeking-related challenges and opportunities (e.g. help-seeking for others; help-seeking at transitions; self-sufficiency). This research might be used to inform the development and evaluation of interventions which aim to facilitate help-seeking amongst emerging adults with first-episode recent-onset EDs.
Highlights
Eating disorders (EDs) typically have their onset during adolescence or the transition to adulthood
Emerging adults with first-episode EDs show a distinct set of help-seeking-related challenges and opportunities
(2020) 8:46 participants believed that EDs were only possible for those with extreme low-weight and only affect “white teenage girls”
Summary
Eating disorders (EDs) typically have their onset during adolescence or the transition to adulthood. Efforts to reduce duration of untreated ED have typically focused on minimising the length of waiting time between treatment-seeking and start of specialist evidence-based treatment [8]. In the United Kingdom (UK), First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders (FREED) was developed as an service model and care pathway for 16 to 25 year olds presenting with a first-episode ED of less than 3 years duration (“recent onset”) [9]. FREED aims to reduce waiting time between treatment-seeking and start of specialist evidence-based treatment, whilst adapting said treatment to the specific developmental needs of emerging adults [9]. If strategies for early intervention for EDs are to be improved, a clear understanding of the patient-related component of duration of untreated ED is needed [9]
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