‘My dad was like “it's your brain, what are you doing?”’: Participant experiences of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment in severe enduring anorexia nervosa

Objective Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a promising emerging treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN). However, to date, patients' views and experiences of this treatment have not been fully explored. To assess these, we integrated a qualitative study into a feasibility randomised controlled trial of rTMS in individuals with severe enduring AN. Method Twenty‐nine (of 34) trial participants contributed to this study. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted 3‐months following the completion of rTMS treatment (4‐months post‐randomisation), prior to unblinding. Transcripts were analysed using content analysis. Results rTMS was deemed an acceptable but time‐consuming treatment. Many emphasised how their lives had changed to some extent during, but mainly after treatment by making them more positive, open‐minded, flexible and willing to try new things in relation to their AN and other aspects of their lives. Conclusions These qualitative data will be valuable in shaping participant information, recruitment and planning of future large‐scale trials of rTMS in AN. Trial Registration ISRCTN14329415, registered 23rd July 2015, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN14329415 Highlights This study is the first to systematically explore participants' experiences of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) treatment for severe enduring anorexia nervosa (AN), as part of a randomised controlled feasibility trial. Participants expressed that rTMS was an acceptable but time‐consuming treatment. Many participants who received real rTMS described positive changes in relation to AN and quality of life. Findings from this qualitative study will help to shape future research of rTMS treatment for AN.