Background Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental illness that mainly affects young people and is characterized by how the person thinks and feels in relation to food, eating and their own body. The disease has a major impact on the person's daily life and can adversely affect people around them. As a nurse, it is important to be able to understand, respond to and provide good care to someone with Anorexia nervosa. By gaining an increased understanding of what it means to live with the disease, the nurse can relieve the suffering and improve the health of the person who is ill.

Aim The study aimed to illuminate experiences of living with Anorexia nervosa. 

Method A qualitative study, based on the content of eleven scientific articles.

Results The findings revealed three main themes: The feeling of an inner conflict, The importance of being part of care and Being part of a context. The results showed that the participants who suffered from Anorexia nervosa had a need for control and a perfectionist behavior that affected large parts of their life. Several participants in the study describe how relationships with family and friends are affected by the disease and how society's view of Anorexia nervosa leads to increased loneliness and isolation. The study also illuminates theparticipants ' view of nurses' role and the healthcare. 

Conclusion The conclusion of the results from the reviewed articles shows that life is affected in many ways for those living with Anorexia nervosa. It became clear that the disease is characterized by suffering when it comes to understanding one's own self-image and that they experience an isolating loneliness. Several people also mention how guilt and shame over having the disease affected life. Then society has an image that Anorexia nervosa is only about achieving a perfect appearance. It was also shown that the nurse has a significant role in the person's recovery.