Table 2 Major presenting problems identified by participants
Theme | Patient examples | Carer examples |
|---|---|---|
Eating disorder assistance | Support around mealtimes, especially during the holidays. Balance between enough support and not ‘policing’ | Good eating habits and a healthy weight which will help with her state of mind. Organise the eating disorder plan so {she} can keep getting help |
Communication issues | Communicating more in times of a lot of stress, leads to problems and having arguments | Finding out what’s going on and what I need to know without sounding like an interrogator |
Emotional impact | The impact my mental health has had on my family. I feel very guilty, I think that’s why I like to stay thinner or a certain size because I don’t want to embarrass them by being fat | Knowing how to not get angry at {partners} ED behaviour |
Providing support | Getting support without feeling I’m being told what to do, with my experiences being validated | Learn how to be a better support for my partner from my partner |
Relationship effects | Dieting in the past perhaps impacting on potential for healthiest relationship – i.e., shared relationship around food (would like it to be positive) | Helping in a way that keeps our relationship healthy |
Future progress | Learning how to communicate my needs and emotions during recovery and moving forward. Speaking up on the bad days so I can prevent relapse | Once the program finishes, what resources are available to continue with progress made. How can I identify and help with any potential relapse? |
Expectations | Not being able to carry out good behaviours at home | Â |
Other family members | Â | General moodiness when visiting. Affects the other children, especially the youngest |