Silent witnesses: the experience of having a sibling with anorexia nervosa.

This study investigated the experience of having a sibling with anorexia nervosa, and the sibling perspectives on the treatment they get. Four focus groups were held with siblings (11­19 year-olds) of adolescents with anorexia nervosa. Group discussions were written down word-for-word and analysed using thematic analysis. Four themes and eight sub-themes were identified. These illustrated siblings feel very affected by the way the family needs to change to support someone with anorexia nervosa. Feelings of ambivalence and acceptance were also evident. Siblings said they silenced their own emotions and needs so as not to trouble others, and distanced themselves from their families in order to cope. Siblings generally felt that services had not attended to their needs, and that they had not been appropriately included in treatment. Findings from this study point to ways siblings may be better supported, such as peer support groups.