A qualitative study of the experience of caring for a person with bulimia nervosa. Part 1: The emotional impact of caring

Abstract

BN has a potent impact on carers' lives. This has implications in terms of service provision and future research in this area.

Family functioning and maternal distress in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa

“…Research suggests that caring for someone with an eating disorder carries a significant burden, taking a toll on the health and well-being of the caregivers. [15][16][17] Individuals caring for those with AN have been found to have higher levels of distress than those caring for people with psychoses. 17 Specific challenges related to an eating disorder involve the carers' emotional response to the illness, the serious consequences of the illness, the detrimental effects of the illness on family members, and self-blame regarding the condition.…”

“…17 Specific challenges related to an eating disorder involve the carers' emotional response to the illness, the serious consequences of the illness, the detrimental effects of the illness on family members, and self-blame regarding the condition. 15,18,19 In light of the current state of the research, the purpose of this study was to examine the influence of living with a child with a potentially life threatening and chronic medical condition on family relationships. As such, this study compared the family relationships and maternal distress of adolescents with AN to those of adolescents with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), and those of adolescents without a psychiatric or medical condition.…”

Percepção de familiares sobre a anorexia e bulimia: revisão sistemática

“…Some did not have a clear perception of the disorder, its etiopathogenesis and prognosis. 25,35,36 "I knew something was wrong, but I wasn't sure what it was." 25 Chronicity -parents perceived the disease as a chronic condition, expressing pessimism regarding their child's recovery and cure.…”

“…25,35,36 "I knew something was wrong, but I wasn't sure what it was." 25 Chronicity -parents perceived the disease as a chronic condition, expressing pessimism regarding their child's recovery and cure. This concern was only seen in studies including family members of anorexic patients, as shown in the discourse below: 14 Underestimation of the disease -underestimation was associated to the belief that their daughter's behavior changes were a typical and natural attitude of adolescents, as well as to the lack of knowledge on the disease and a mechanism of denial.…”

“…From a systemic perspective, Perkins et al 25 conducted semi-structured interviews addressing the experience of 20 family members of bulimic patients. Their comprehension of eating disorder largely involved a mixed perception and underestimation of disease and feelings of impotence, sadness, and guilt prevailed.…”