“I’m not a teenager, I’m 22. Why can’t I snap out of it?” A Qualitative Exploration of Seeking Help for a First-Episode Eating Disorder During Emerging Adulthood

Abstract

Background Eating disorders (EDs) are serious mental illnesses which typically have their onset during adolescence or the transition to adulthood. Emerging adulthood (EA) (~ 18–25 years) is a developmental phase which conceptually overlaps with adolescence (e.g. both are key periods for identity development) but also has unique characteristics (e.g. increased independence). EA may be a risk-period for delayed help-seeking for EDs, compared to adolescence.Objective This study aimed to explore emerging adults’ attitudes towards their ED symptoms, and their implications for help-seeking. Method: Participants were 14 emerging adults (mean age 20.9 years; SD = 2.0), all currently receiving specialist treatment for a first-episode, recent-onset (< 3 years) ED. Semi-structured interviews relating to experiences of help-seeking were conducted, and data were analysed thematically.Results Symptom egosyntonicity, gradual reappraisal and stereotypical beliefs about EDs were key attitudinal stages prior to help-seeking. Each attitude had distinct implications for help-seeking (e.g. superficial help-seeking; scaffolding by others; helps-seeking at transitions; self-sufficiency, indirect disclosure).Conclusions Emerging adults with first-episode EDs show a distinct set of help-seeking-related challenges and opportunities. These may justify policies and practice tailored specifically to this population group.