Targeting the fear of gaining weight and body-related concerns in Anorexia Nervosa. Preliminary findings from a Virtual Reality randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Based on the preliminary findings of a randomized clinical trial with patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN), this study aims to provide initial evidence of the usefulness of a Virtual Reality body exposure therapy. Method: 17 AN patients (9 in the experimental group, 8 in the control group) participated in the study. Fear of gaining weight (FGW), body anxiety, drive for thinness, body image disturbances (BID), Body Mass Tndex (BMI) and body-related attention were assessed before and after the intervention. Additionally, the experimental group underwent five sessions of VR body exposure therapy within the standard course of CBT, while control patients received the usual CBT. Results: After the intervention, there were clear reductions in ED symptoms in both groups. The reduction was especially marked in the experimental group. Finally, notable changes were recorded in dysfunctional body-related attention and BMI in the experimental group, but not in controls. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to focus on treating FGW, body-related concerns and body-related attention in AN using a VR-embodiment based paradigm. To pursue the analysis further, and to assess the effectiveness of this new VR software, larger controlled clinical trials should now be conducted.