Inside the experience of anorexia nervosa: A narrative thematic analysis

Aim: This study considers the question of whether inpatient admission for anorexia nervosa was a therapeutic experience for two women with chronic anorexia nervosa. The question of whether inpatient admission for anorexia nervosa can be therapeutic is not answerable through existing research evidence. Method: The women were interviewed about their experience of having anorexia, its impact on their lives and the treatment they received. The interviews involved learning about the women's experiences by listening to their stories rather than asking them direct questions about what has been therapeutic about their treatment. Analysis: Their narratives were used to develop understanding grounded in experience and were analysed using a narrative thematic analysis. Ideas, themes and connections were noted but not coded as found in some forms of thematic analysis. Discussion: Consideration is given to the therapeutic qualities of the treatments the women received and the place of therapeutic inpatient admission. The central theme of this research was ‘relationships’ which indicates the use of therapeutic approaches that emphasise the importance of the therapeutic relationship in the treatment of chronic anorexia nervosa. It is suggested that psychodynamic and attachment theories should be used to inform overall treatment models. Some important issues for service provision and areas for further research are identified.