Table 1.

Thematic analysis of semi‐structured interviews exploring reported behavioural improvements

VNS status	Superordinate theme	Organising theme	Code
Before VNS	Reactivity	Unpredictability and cognitive inflexibility	Mood lability; inflexibility; frequent temper outbursts
	Social functioning	Volatile social relationships	Difficulty in social situations; family dysfunction
	Control over food	Controlling power of food	Ruled by food; stressful impact on carer's daily life/routine
With VNS	Reactivity	Controlled mood and flexibility of thought	Infrequent temper outbursts; calm/happier mood; low anxiety; increased flexibility of thought/ability to reason; sense of well‐being
	Social functioning	Increased ability to interact socially	Coping in social situations; enhanced family functioning
	Control over food	Freedom from food focus	Liberating effect of VNS; lower focus on food; slight lessening of hunger; improved carer's mood

VNS, vagal nerve stimulation.