Comparing views of patients, parents, and clinicians on emotions in anorexia: a qualitative study

Patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) may experience difficulties in emotional processing that can adversely affect treatment and maintenance of the illness. Focus groups or questionnaires were undertaken with patients with AN, parents and clinicians, with the aim to explore the most salient issues pertaining to emotions and social cognition in AN. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Seven primary themes were identified showing congruence across groups: 'emotional awareness and understanding'; 'emotional intolerance'; 'emotional avoidance'; 'emotional expression and negative beliefs'; 'extreme emotional responses'; 'social interactions and relationships'; and 'lack of empathy'. Clinical and empirical implications are discussed.