Virtual-reality-based multidimensional therapy for the treatment of body image disturbances in binge eating disorders: a preliminary controlled study

Abstract

The main goal of this paper is to preliminarily evaluate the efficacy of a virtual-reality (VR)-based multidimensional approach in the treatment of body image attitudes and related constructs. The female binge eating disorder (BED) patients (n = 20), involved in a residential weight control treatment including low-calorie diet (1200 cal/day) and physical training, were randomly assigned either to the multidimensional VR treatment or to psychonutritional groups based on the cognitive-behavior approach. Patients were administered a battery of outcome measures assessing eating disorders symptomathology, attitudes toward food, body dissatisfaction, level of anxiety, motivation for change, level of assertiveness, and general psychiatric symptoms. In the short term, the VR treatment was more effective than the traditional cognitive-behavioral psychonutritional groups in improving the overall psychological state of the patients. In particular, the therapy was more effective in improving body satisfaction, self-efficacy, and motivation for change. No significant differences were found in the reduction of the binge eating behavior. The possibility of inducing a significant change in body image and its associated behaviors using a VR-based short-term therapy can be useful to improve the body satisfaction in traditional weight reduction programs. However, given the nature of this research that does not include a followup study, the obtained results are preliminary only.

Effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy supported by virtual reality in the treatment of body image in eating disorders: One year follow-up

“…We also observed this adherence to treatment effect in other research using new technologies such as VR . The data in this study supports the effectiveness of VR compared to ''traditional'' strategies, especially in the treatment of body image disturbances (Perpiñ á et al, 2001;Riva et al, 2002). The features of this tool seem compatible with the therapeutic requirements of these highly complex disorders.…”

“…Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are widely used as therapeutic tools in the field of neuropsychology (Rizzo et al, 1998) and also in the treatment of anxiety disorders: acrophobia (North and North, 1996), agoraphobia (North et al, 1997), spider phobia (Carlin et al, 1997), fear of public speaking (North et al, 1998), claustrophobia and eating disorders (Perpiñ á et al, 1999;Riva et al, 2002).…”

Virtual Reality and Body Dissatisfaction Across the Eating Disorder’s Spectrum

“…Riva and his colleagues [31,39] found that, in ED patients, a treatement including VR and ECT reduces binge eating, anxiety, and preoccupations having to do with being judged by others. It also improves body satisfaction, self-acceptance, self-esteem, self-efficacy, social functioning, as well as motivation to change.…”

Virtual Reality in Evidence-Based Psychotherapy

“…It is not the scope of this chapter to offer a comprehensive review of these applications, but we mention some of them as follows (but see Glantz et al, 2003 andKrijn et al, 2004 for reviews). Experiential Cognitive Therapy was developed by Giuseppe Riva and his colleagues (Riva, 1998;Riva et al, 1999;Riva et al, 2002) to address obesity and eating disorders, particularly body image disturbance and the negative emotions associated with it. The VR component is integrated into a CBT approach and it consists of exposing patients to critical contexts and stimuli (e.g., kitchen, restaurant, commercials) and helping them deal with their emotional reactions and develop adaptive coping strategies.…”

“…Patients' false assumptions about their own body are also confronted in the virtual environment. The authors report positive results of this strategy, particularly in which body dissatisfaction and self-efficacy are concerned (Riva et al, 2002). More recently, it has been suggested that VR application could be developed not only for the assessment (see above), but also for the treatment of patients diagnosed with psychotic disorders.…”