Knocking on locked doors; a qualitative investigation of parents’ experiences of seeking help for children with eating disorders

Objective: The impact of eating disorders in adolescents extends to the whole family, particularly the parents. These parents are uniquely positioned as their children’s case manager, feeder, and advocator, often with little experience or training to guide them. This investigation aimed to develop an in-depth understanding of the experience of parents seeking help for children with eating disorders. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight parents who had accessed treatment for their child’s eating disorder within the past 3 years through the Australian health system. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to understand their experience. Results: Two main themes and six subthemes were identified: Parental Gauge on High (“trusting parental instincts”, “desperation for a compass and map” and “discarded expertise”), and Disappointment in the Healthcare System (“GP’s casual responses to serious cases”, “treatment lucky dip” and “the whirlwind of re-engagement”). Conclusions: The findings highlight the difficulties in identifying symptoms and seeking initial help as well as the ongoing toll on parents to navigate the health system and support their children. Findings of the study suggest a need for ongoing, inclusive, and holistic support to help parents navigate care for their children.