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BACKGROUND: Studies have established the central role of the family in the recognition, treatment, and recovery of anorexia nervosa. The objective of this study was to review, synthesize, and critically appraise the literature on parents views on the treatment and recovery process of anorexia nervosa in their adolescent child. METHOD: A systematic search of Medline, PsychINFO, CINHAL, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and SSCI was conducted for qualitative studies published regarding parents views about the treatment of anorexia nervosa. The quality of articles was assessed using the critical appraisal skills program (CASP) and findings were analysed using thematic synthesis. RESULTS: A total of 25 studies from nine countries reporting the views of 357 parents met the inclusion criteria. Four major themes were developed from the analysis: understanding the child and the disease, experience of services and treatment modalities, the role of professionals, and the experience of recovery. CONCLUSION: Parents report struggles with delays in finding help, judgmental attitudes of professionals, and uncertainty about the future. Recognition of the challenges faced by parents and families empowers clinicians to build stronger therapeutic relationships essential for long-term recovery from anorexia nervosa.

Abstract Background Studies have established the central role of the family in the recognition, treatment, and recovery of anorexia nervosa. The objective of this study was to review, synthesize, and critically appraise the literature on parents’ views on the treatment and recovery process of anorexia nervosa in their adolescent child. Method A systematic search of Medline, PsychINFO, CINHAL, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and SSCI was conducted for qualitative studies published regarding parents’ views about the treatment of anorexia nervosa. The quality of articles was assessed using the critical appraisal skills program (CASP) and findings were analysed using thematic synthesis. Results A total of 25 studies from nine countries reporting the views of 357 parents met the inclusion criteria. Four major themes were developed from the analysis: understanding the child and the disease, experience of services and treatment modalities, the role of professionals, and the experience of recovery. Conclusion Parents report struggles with delays in finding help, judgmental attitudes of professionals, and uncertainty about the future. Recognition of the challenges faced by parents and families empowers clinicians to build stronger therapeutic relationships essential for long-term recovery from anorexia nervosa.

Plain English Summary Men are underrepresented in eating disorder (ED) services; are less likely to notice symptoms of an ED, and have this identified by professionals. To date, there has been limited research into the male experience of ED’s and this appears to be related to a difficulty with getting men involved in studies, as well as the lack of men in services. This review synthesised the existing literature, and four themes were generated: ‘Societal Construction of the Perfect Male’; ‘Striving to Maintain a Masculine Identity’; ‘The Interconnectedness of Control and Self-Worth’, and ‘The Hidden Man’. The results highlighted that the male experience is complex and influenced by societal assumptions and gender norms. EDs are predominately seen as a ‘women’s illness’, which affected the male experience in many ways but most importantly it prevented help seeking and recognition of eating disorders in men, arguably impacting their access to treatment. It is important to change the expectations we place upon men; enabling them to ask for help when needed in ways we allow women. Addressing societal pressures, combined with targeted training to improve understanding at the first point of seeking help, ensuring appropriate recognition of an ED and timely intervention for men.

Background: Men are believed to be underrepresented in eating disorder services; there are many reasons presented to account for this such as a lack of recognition and detection. Due to the physical and psychological complexity of an eating disorder it is important to understand this underrepresentation. This qualitative evidence synthesis aimed to explore the literature relating to men's experiences of an eating disorder, in order to synthesise the findings and offer a more coherent understanding. Method: A systematic search of the literature was undertaken. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to the findings resulting in 14 papers deemed suitable for inclusion. A Meta-Ethnographic approach to synthesising the data of the 89 participants was undertaken. Results: Four themes were identified: 'Societal Construction of the Perfect Male'; 'Striving to Maintain a Masculine Identity'; 'The Interconnectedness of Control and Self-Worth', and 'The Hidden Man'. There appeared to be an underlying concept relating to the conflict of being a man, with what is perceived to be a 'woman's illness' and how this challenged the men's experiences of masculinity. Conclusions: Being a man with an eating disorder conflicted with societal norms, exacerbating their experience of having an eating disorder.. To resolve this, gendered norms need to shift, at societal level as well as considering how best to improve understanding and recognition of men with an eating disorder at the first point of help seeking. Plain English Summary: Men are underrepresented in eating disorder (ED) services; are less likely to notice symptoms of an ED, and have this identified by professionals. To date, there has been limited research into the male experience of ED's and this appears to be related to a difficulty with getting men involved in studies, as well as the lack of men in services. This review synthesised the existing literature, and four themes were generated: 'Societal Construction of the Perfect Male'; 'Striving to Maintain a Masculine Identity'; 'The Interconnectedness of Control and Self-Worth', and 'The Hidden Man'. The results highlighted that the male experience is complex and influenced by societal assumptions and gender norms. EDs are predominately seen as a 'women's illness', which affected the male experience in many ways but most importantly it prevented help seeking and recognition of eating disorders in men, arguably impacting their access to treatment. It is important to change the expectations we place upon men; enabling them to ask for help when needed in ways we allow women. Addressing societal pressures, combined with targeted training to improve understanding at the first point of seeking help, ensuring appropriate recognition of an ED and timely intervention for men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]