Normalization of the eating patterns in a patient with anorexia nervosa, purgative subtype, with the support of a virtual environment. A case study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the usefulness and effectiveness of a virtual environment as a complementary tool to cognitive-behavioral treatment in normalizing the food intake of a patient with a diagnosis of AN, purging subtype. After the6-session VR module, the results indicated that the patient was normalizing her eating patterns. Her binging and vomiting had decreased; she had introduced forbidden foods avoided for years like toast and pizza, and her weight had increased slightly. There was also an improvement in all factors assessed by the EDI, highlighting a major change in “perfectionism” and “drive to thinness”. Her depressive and anxious symptoms had decreased, and her social interaction had increased progressively. Virtual experiences were evaluated as very real by the patient, who felt quite involved with the virtual environment. The level of satisfaction and degree of usefulness of the VR component were rated highly by the patient. Finally, the need to explore new therapeutic strategies in order to increase adherence and motivation in these kinds of patients and disorders is discussed.