Abstract

A Systematic Review of the Influence of Anorexic Voice on the Recovery of Anorexia Nervosa

Author(s): Athulya Thankamoney Dev*, Claire Williams

Background: Anorexia Nervosa (AN) causes increased mortality, and high readmissions or relapse rates indicate a lack of psychological focus on current AN intervention. Pugh and Waller thematically analyzed the high frequency of inner-voice disorders prevalent in the AN population, similar to voice hallucinations in other psychological disorders. These patients remained stigmatized and non-disclosed due to correlations with schizophrenia. This review concluded with a detailed understanding of AV that can inform more effective therapeutic interventions and support systems aiding AN and AV’s recovery process. Methods: Ten studies (one cross-sectional, one systematic review, five qualitative, and three mixed methods) are included. The methodology quality and bias risk assessments employed a selective appraisal tool. Results: The thematic analysis revealed ‘not one size fits all' and non-generalizable Anorexic Voice (AV) for different AN cases. The subjective study of fluctuating AV throughout the progression of AN aimed to comprehensively understand the transition of the inner voice with the illness. The dissociation of AV in the AN patient significantly assures recovery. Conclusion: This review underscored the potential for improved recovery outcomes through a deeper understanding of the relationship of AV with patients and the potential of AV-inclusive therapies. The analysis supports the development of a novel psychological therapeutic framework that includes AV, which can enhance motivation, hope, support, and empathy. However, the review also cautions that an AV standardized framework for unidentified AVs in AN patients may inadvertently trigger or worsen illness.

• PDF