Parents’ perspectives of anorexia nervosa treatment in adolescents: a systematic review and metasynthesis of qualitative data

Interventions for adolescents with anorexia nervosa often focus on families. Although prior systematic reviews have incorporated adolescents’ perspectives on their treatment for anorexia nervosa, none have previously reviewed parents’ perspectives on their adolescents’ treatment. We conducted a systematic review and metasynthesis of qualitative data capturing parents’ perspectives of anorexia nervosa treatment in adolescents. Four themes emerged from the analysis: understanding the child and the disease, experience of services and treatment modalities, the role of professionals, and the experience of recovery. Parents report struggles with delays in finding help, judgmental attitudes of professionals, and uncertainty about the future. Recognition of the challenges faced by parents and families empowers clinicians to build stronger therapeutic relationships essential for long-term recovery from anorexia nervosa.