Different pathways, same goals: A large-scale qualitative study of autistic and non-autistic patient-generated definitions of recovery from an eating disorder

TY - JOUR

T1 - Different pathways, same goals: A large-scale qualitative study of autistic and non-autistic patient-generated definitions of recovery from an eating disorder

AU - Sedgewick, Felicity

AU - Leppanen, Jenni

AU - Austin, Amelia

AU - Tchanturia, Kate

N1 - Funding Information: All authors would like to acknowledge the MRC-MRF Child and Young Adult Mental Health Fund (MR/R004595/1). Kate Tchanturia would like to acknowledge support by the Health Foundation, an independent charity committed to bringing better health care to people in the United Kingdom (AIMS ID: 1115447). Funding Information: All authors would like to acknowledge the MRC‐MRF Child and Young Adult Mental Health Fund (MR/R004595/1). Kate Tchanturia would like to acknowledge support by the Health Foundation, an independent charity committed to bringing better health care to people in the United Kingdom (AIMS ID: 1115447). Publisher Copyright: © 2021 The Authors. European Eating Disorders Review published by Eating Disorders Association and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PY - 2022/9

Y1 - 2022/9

N2 - Background: Definitions of recovery from an eating disorder (ED) have generally been formulated around clinical conceptualisations, rather than based on the views of patients. This paper therefore asked those with lived experience of ED for their own definitions of recovery. Method: Data were collected as part of an online study looking at EDs, autism and relationships. About 173 participants identified as recovered from ED and gave free-response definitions of recovery. Responses were subject to thematic analysis. Results: Seven major themes were identified: Weight restoration, lack of ED behaviours, thoughts and behaviours, cognitions, emotional responses, getting on with life, and ongoing challenges. Conclusions: Many definitions of recovery given by those who have lived experience of ED echoed those used by clinicians and researchers. There were also points of divergence around the ongoing challenges of recovery. Our findings highlight the need for continuing support post-weight restoration to facilitate the successful long-term recovery for those with ED.

AB - Background: Definitions of recovery from an eating disorder (ED) have generally been formulated around clinical conceptualisations, rather than based on the views of patients. This paper therefore asked those with lived experience of ED for their own definitions of recovery. Method: Data were collected as part of an online study looking at EDs, autism and relationships. About 173 participants identified as recovered from ED and gave free-response definitions of recovery. Responses were subject to thematic analysis. Results: Seven major themes were identified: Weight restoration, lack of ED behaviours, thoughts and behaviours, cognitions, emotional responses, getting on with life, and ongoing challenges. Conclusions: Many definitions of recovery given by those who have lived experience of ED echoed those used by clinicians and researchers. There were also points of divergence around the ongoing challenges of recovery. Our findings highlight the need for continuing support post-weight restoration to facilitate the successful long-term recovery for those with ED.

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85120548795&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1002/erv.2873

DO - 10.1002/erv.2873

M3 - Article

SN - 1072-4133

VL - 30

SP - 580

EP - 591

JO - European Eating Disorders Review

JF - European Eating Disorders Review

IS - 5

ER -