“Work WITH us”: a Delphi study about improving eating disorder treatment for autistic women with anorexia nervosa

Journal of Eating Disorders

Research

Marc O. Williams¹  Sarah L. Field¹  John R. E. Fox²  Catherine R. G. Jones³ 

[1]South Wales Doctoral Programme in Clinical Psychology, Cardiff University, 11Th Floor, Tower Building, 70 Park Place, CF10 3AT, Cardiff, UK

[2]South Wales Doctoral Programme in Clinical Psychology, Cardiff University, 11Th Floor, Tower Building, 70 Park Place, CF10 3AT, Cardiff, UK

[3]Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, University of Liverpool, L69 7ZA, Liverpool, UK

[4]Wales Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, CF10 3AT, Cardiff, UK

关键词: Autism;    Eating disorder;    Anorexia nervosa;    Delphi study;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s40337-023-00740-z

 received in 2022-12-07, accepted in 2023-01-26,  发布年份 2023

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThere is an increased prevalence of anorexia nervosa (AN) in autistic women and this group has poorer treatment outcomes compared to non-autistic women with AN. However, there is little research into improving eating disorder treatment for autistic women. This study investigated how best to support autistic women with AN within eating disorder services.MethodA three-stage Delphi study was conducted with 49 participants with relevant expertise as a researcher, clinician, or expert by experience.ResultsA total of 70 statements were generated, with 56 reaching consensus after the final round. Statements reaching consensus made recommendations for adaptations to treatment, staff training, and service organisation.ConclusionsThe results highlight the need to distinguish between autism- and AN-related difficulties, accommodate autistic traits such as sensory sensitivities and communication differences, and ensure the autistic voice is present in both the development and delivery of care. Future research should investigate the impact of these adaptations on outcomes. The applicability of these recommendations to autistic people with other eating disorders and of other genders needs to be investigated further.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s) 2023

【 图 表 】

Fig. 9

Fig. 8