Table 2 Summary of analytical and descriptive themes and their primary study source

Inner conflict

Loss of control

Eivors et al. [32], Leavey et al. [33], Seidinger-Leibovitz et al. [34], ter Huurne et al. [31]

Psychological difficulties

Leavey et al. [33], ter Huurne et al. [31]

Fear

Darcy et al. [36], Leavey et al. [33], Bakland et al. [35]

Threats to self-identity

Eivors et al. [32], Leavey et al. [33], Seidinger-Leibovitz et al. [34]

Denial and cognitive dissonance

Eivors et al. [32], Leavey et al. [33], Seidinger-Leibovitz et al. [34]

Low motivation

Merrill et al. [40], Darcy et al. [36], Vandereycken and Devidt [39], ter Huurne et al. [31], Frostad et al. [38], del Barrio et al. [37]

Stigma

Eivors et al.[32], Leavey et al. [33]

Connection and communication

Family conflict

Vandereycken and Devidt [39], Leavey et al. [33], Seidinger-Leibovitz et al. [34], ter Huurne et al. [31]

Tensions in patient-clinician relationship

Eivors et al. [32], Darcy et al. [36], Leavey et al. [33], ter Huurne et al. [31]

Feeling misunderstood or unheard

Merrill et al. [40], Eivors et al. [32], Leavey et al. [33], Bakland et al. [35]

Treatment service experience

Unmet expectations

Eivors et al. [32], Darcy et al. [36], Vandereycken and Devidt [39], Leavey et al. [33], Seidinger-Leibovitz et al. [34], ter Huurne et al. [31], del Barrio et al. [37], Bakland et al. [35]

Feeling unsafe in treatment

Eivors et al. [32], Darcy et al. [36], Vandereycken and Devidt [39], Bakland et al. [35]

Treatment progress

Satisfactory progress

Vandereycken and Devidt [39], ter Huurne et al. [31], Frostad et al. [38], del Barrio et al. [37]

Obstacles to progress and accessibility

Merrill et al. [40], ter Huurne et al. [31], Frostad et al. [38], del Barrio et al. [37]