The experience of body image concerns in patients with persecutory delusions: ‘People don't want to sit next to me’

ConclusionsPatients with persecutory delusions described appearance ‐related concerns making them feel negative towards themselves, inferior to other people, and vulnerable to harm. Appearance‐related distress was broader than weight gain, including dissatisfaction with skin, clothing, and attractiveness. Negative body image may be a contributory factor in the o ccurrence of paranoia.Practitioner pointsBody image concerns may be of particular relevance in patients with persecutory delusions due to weight gain, inactivity, and medication side effects.Body image concerns include weight gain and broader aspects of appearance.Negative body image contributes to feelings of vulnerability, potentially worsening paranoid fears.It may be helpful for practitioners to explore the psychological impact of weight gain and body image concerns in patients with psychosis.
Source: Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research