Patients' and therapists’ experiences with a new treatment for eating disorders, combining physical exercise and dietary therapy. An interview study

Abstract

Eating disorders (EDs) are mental disorders were effective treatment may be essential for a good outcome. Previous research has shown that physical exercise and dietary therapy (PED-t) may alleviate symptoms of bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge ED (BED). The aim of this study was to explore experiences with the PED-t. We interviewed 10 therapists and 20 women who participated and analysed the transcribed interviews thematically. A user advisory group was included in all parts of the research process to improve the relevance of the research. The results showed that the PED-t therapists found their knowledge about physical exercise and nutrition beneficial for the patients’ post treatment recovery. Overall, patients found the treatment beneficial, but for patients who dropped out of the treatment, various reasons resulted in an experience of standing on the outside. The development and application of tools to manage ED symptoms was an important impact from participating in the PED-t. The therapists’ competence and support, as well as motivating and supporting aspects from the group setting, were elements perceived to help implement acquired knowledge from the treatment into the patients’ daily lives. The elements yielding opportunities for most patients also posited challenges for others. The therapist support was not sufficient for all patients to overcome challenges during therapy, and some patients found themselves standing on the outside of the group-based encounters. Future, clinical use of the PED-t may focus more on pre-treatment expectations and group dynamics. The PED-t may stand out as a promising new treatment for patients with BN or BED, with a group of professionals who feel confident as therapists. Overall, the PED-t requires replication with other patients and in other settings to further strengthen the chain of clinical evidence.