Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics and content of intrusive images in patients with different subtypes of eating disorders (EDs). Data were collected from 74 ED patients, 22 dieting and 29 non-dieting controls. Participants completed a set of self-report questionnaires. Intrusive images of ED patients were significantly more repetitive, detailed, vivid and distressing than intrusive images of dieting and/or non-dieting controls. Most of the intrusive images were the same for the ED subtypes, however patients with AN were more likely to report an observer vantage perspective than patients with BN, who were more likely to report a field vantage perspective. As expected, intrusive images' content was related to body-checking (weight and shape) or negative self (evaluated by themselves or others). Finally, there were significant associations between intrusive images' vividness and weight and shape concerns. These findings indicate that intrusive images may be a core element of EDs and targeting intrusive images in therapy may be helpful.
