Living and leaving a life of coercion: a qualitative interview study of patients with anorexia nervosa and multiple involuntary treatment events

Abstract

Plain English summary Some patients with anorexia nervosa refuse treatment and receive multiple involuntary treatment events. To learn more about involuntary treatment and potentially inform treatment, we explored experiences and perspectives of patients with multiple involuntary treatment events. We conducted interviews with seven participants and used a qualitative approach, namely reflexive thematic analysis, to construct themes. The data portrayed a process of living and leaving a life of coercion. We highlighted that patients with anorexia nervosa and multiple involuntary treatment events experience a life of coercion—both internally from the illness itself and from involuntary treatment experiences. Involuntary treatment can help an internal battle against anorexia nervosa and perspectives of patients about involuntary treatment can change over time. Nevertheless, involuntary treatment can have a negative impact on patients, such as feelings of being hunted or assaulted. Wider awareness of potential negative effects of involuntary treatment is needed. Clinicians should be conscious of these potential negative effects and reserve IT for potentially life-threatening situations.

Keywords

• Adverse effects
• Coercion
• Compulsory treatment
• Eating disorders
• Patient experiences