Delusion-like beliefs in anorexia nervosa: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Abstract

Objective: Quantitative evidence suggests that a subset of individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) may hold beliefs pertaining to food, body image, and appearance that are delusional in nature. The present study extended this research through qualitatively exploring beliefs held by AN patients and the consequences of holding such beliefs. Method: Five participants receiving inpatient treatment for AN took part in semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed and analysed according to the principles of interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: Two superordinate themes emerged: “Delusion-like beliefs,” which detailed participants’ conviction that their bodies responded to food and..