Experiences of Detention under the Mental Health Act for Adults with Anorexia Nervosa

People with Anorexia Nervosa are often resistant to treatment and can be detained under the Mental Health Act. Detention can be distressing for some client groups; however, there is little research to explore how people with Anorexia Nervosa experience detention and how these experiences impact on recovery. This study utilized a qualitative methodology to develop a model for understanding how people perceive, experience and process detention under the Mental Health Act. Data from 12 participants was analysed using constructivist grounded theory. Four overarching categories conceptualize their experience over time: the battle', the bubble', stepping out of the bubble' and the anorexic self'. Within each overarching category are further subordinate categories that represent the nuances of the data. The resultant model is discussed in relation to the literature, whilst recommendations have been made to embed person-centred, recovery practice into inpatient services. Copyright (c) 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.