"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.

摘要: Eating disorders (EDs) typically have their onset during adolescence or the transition to adulthood. Emerging adulthood (~ 18–25 years) is a developmental phase which conceptually overlaps with but also has unique characteristics (e.g. increased independence). adults tend come ED services later in illness than adolescents, and emerging adulthood’s may contribute such delays. This study aimed explore attitudes towards symptoms, implications for help-seeking, amongst receiving treatment through FREED, an early intervention care pathway. Participants were 14 (mean age 20.9 years; SD = 2.0), all currently specialist first-episode, recent-onset (< 3 years) ED. Semi-structured interviews relating experiences of help-seeking conducted, data analysed thematically. Symptom egosyntonicity, gradual reappraisal feelings exclusion from discourse key attitudinal phases prior each had distinct help-seeking. first-episode EDs show set help-seeking-related challenges opportunities others; at transitions; self-sufficiency). research might be used inform development evaluation interventions aim facilitate EDs.