Getting Well Is More Than Gaining Weight – Patients’ Experiences of a Treatment Program for Anorexia Nervosa Including Ear Acupuncture

Abstract

This study illuminates how 25 in-patients who were treated for anorexia nervosa in a highly specialized clinic for eating disturbances in Sweden experienced the treatment program. The program included structured eating, medication, restrictions in physical activity and supportive dialogues. Patients were also offered semi-standardized NADA ear acupuncture as a complement to relieve stress, anxiety and tension. In total, 46 interviews were analysed qualitatively using latent content analysis. The results showed how participants strived with their slow transition towards recovery. The novelty of integrating acupuncture in psychiatric treatment makes this study interesting. Acupuncture was experienced to relieve anxiety and somatic symptoms through the whole process. Further research is needed to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on the patient's subjective sense of well-being when used as an adjunct to usual care.