“My Body Changed a Lot After Taking Medication. I'm Trying to Hide It but…” A Qualitative Exploration of Body Image Experiences of Women Living With Schizophrenia

Although body image is one of the essential concepts that should be addressed in comprehensive care, the question of how body image affects women with schizophrenia remains unanswered. This study aimed to explore the body image experiences of women living with schizophrenia. This study employed a qualitative approach and participants were recruited from a community mental health center in Türkiye. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 women with schizophrenia. Data were analysed via content analysis. The data were categorised into five themes: (i) body image evaluation, (ii) factors affecting body image, (iii) effects of body image distortion, (iv) coping with body image challenges and (v) protective factors. Schizophrenia affects body functionality, appearance and the self. Women living with schizophrenia experience feelings of shame, sadness, worthlessness and anger related to their body appearance. Body image distortion leads to social distancing and treatment compliance problems. Mental health nurses should support patients to express their feelings and thoughts about the body and recognise their beliefs about ideal body image. Patients should be supported with psychoeducational interventions in the management of symptoms associated with body image disturbance such as weight gain, galactorrhea, sedation and hypersalivation.