Objectives:The aim of the current study is to investigate what males experience as helpful in their recovery process from eating disorders (ED).Methods: Qualitative in-depth interviews within a phenomenological approach, and using content analysis to excavate overarching text themes.Setting: Norway and Sweden. Participants: Included were 15 males with an age range from 19 to 52 years. Duration of illness varied between 3 and 25 years of experience with anorexia nervosa (n=10), bulimia nervosa (n=4) or ED not otherwise specified (n=1).

Although no significant differences in outcome were found between dropouts and completers, greater clinical improvement was found among those who completed treatment. The dropouts examined in this study did well despite premature termination of treatment. Clinical and research implications are discussed.

The aim of this study was to describe how former male patients perceive life after recovery from an eating disorder. A qualitative method with a phenomenographic approach was used to identify ways of experiencing recovery. Two descriptive categories were developed: body acceptance and self-worth. Six conceptions describe how recovered patients now relate in a balanced way to exercise and food, using strategies to avoid relapse. With a sense of self-acceptance and autonomy, they now appreciate their social life. Some perceive recovery as coping with remaining impulses to diet or exercise. Others experience themselves as totally free from the eating disorder.

Our aim in this study was to describe how patients perceive having recovered from eating disorders. A qualitative method with a phenomenographic approach was used to identify various ways of experiencing recovery. Four categories emerged, describing how the subjects now relate in a relaxed and accepting manner to food, the body, themselves as individuals, and their social environment. Some perceived recovery as coping with emotions, while others experienced themselves as healthier than people in general regarding food and weight. Different aspects were emphasized as important for recovery. As long as patients perceive themselves as recovered, it is not necessary that they fulfill all conceivable criteria for recovery.

The high mortality rate suggests that more attention should be paid in evaluation of the patients' somatic and psychiatric health during and after care in order to prevent premature death.

Drop-out in eating disorders appears to be a complex phenomenon, not necessarily as pathological as often assumed. There may be important differences in the treatment goals of drop-outs and therapists; patients who drop out may be choosing to disengage at a time when symptom improvement creates space for closer examination of interpersonal issues.

The impact of different definitions of outcome on remission estimates is considerable. There is a need to validate different estimates of remission by examining them in relation to multiple domains of outcome over time and by critically examining their relative merits both empirically and clinically.

Our knowledge about males' perceptions about causes of eating disorder is very limited, but can be useful in the treatment planning for males. The aim of this study was to describe how male former patients perceived causes of onset of their eating disorder. Fifteen males previously treated for eating disorders and now considering themselves as recovered where interviewed at ages 19 -52. All interviews were recorded and analyzed qualitatively using a phenomenographic approach. Three categories of perceived causes of onset of eating disorders were found. The first category: self-dissatisfaction, was presented with three conceptions: "High achievements and demands", "Body-dissatisfaction" and "Low self-esteem". The second category: family environment, comprised the two conceptions: "Difficulty in family interaction and communication" and "Excessive expectations from family members". The third category was stressful events outside the family, and consisted of the three conceptions: "Bullying, bad situation at school", "Moving to new places/separation from friends" and "Societal ideals". Males' perceptions of causes of onset of their eating disorder were in many aspects similar to those earlier described for women. In treatment, it is important that the clinicians show a sincere interest in perceived causes, since it may facilitate a good working alliance with the patient.