“Breaking down the wall” patients` and families` experience of multifamily therapy for young adult women with severe eating disorders

• Published in: Journal of Eating Disorders
• Main Authors: Brinchmann, Berit Støre, Krvavac, Sanja
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: BioMed Central 2021
• Subjects: Research Article; Bodø; Norway; Nordland
• Online Access: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8077824/; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33902688; https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-021-00412-w

BACKGROUND: This paper addresses patients` and families` experience of multifamily therapy (MFT) for young adults (18–22) with an eating disorder (ED). EDs are serious illnesses leading to lowered quality of life for the patient and their family. The Regional Centre for Eating Disorders (RESSP) at Nordland Hospital in Bodø, Norway has developed an adjunct psychotherapeutic approach for the treatment of young adult patients with severe EDs. The patient’s family members take part in the multifamily therapy (MFT) group programme. METHODS: The aim of the study was to explore patients` and families` experience of MFT for young adult women with severe EDs. A Grounded Theory (GT) approach was used. Data were collected by field observations in two MFT groups, qualitative group interviews and qualitative individual interviews with patients and their family members. Data were analysed using the constant comparative method. The data analysis consisted of open and selective coding and memo writing. RESULTS: Two main categories were identified: ‘Connectedness and recognition’ and ‘Opening up and sharing`. MFT was described as a space for recognition within which it was possible to speak of things happening in the family with others with similar difficulties. It felt good and freeing, but also painful, to meet others with similar experiences. The participants had in common a considerable loneliness because it is difficult for outsiders to grasp what it is like in a home dominated by an ED. The meeting with other families created an underlying safety. The participants received help to distinguish between realistic and unrealistic concerns and learned about openness and communication in relation to their daughter. Some women with EDs said that MFT was most important for the parents but also had been good for them as things had become better at home. CONCLUSION: The participants reported that their family had become better at talking to each other after having been in MFT. As a result, they were able to speak more openly about ...