Abstract

RONCERO, María  and  PERPINA, Conxa. Normalizing the eating pattern with virtual reality for bulimia nervosa: a case report. Rev. Mex. de trastor. aliment [online]. 2015, vol.6, n.2, pp.152-159. ISSN 2007-1523.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmta.2015.11.001.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of a virtual reality (VR) component as a therapeutic tool to normalize eating patterns, as part of the cognitive-behavioral treatment of a bulimia nervosa (BN) patient. Results indicated that the patient made significant progress with her eating habits; binges and vomits were eliminated completely. Moreover, when the VR started the patient avoided food, especially meat (5 over 5), and it was reduction of this avoidance in the lasts sessions (2 and 3 over 5). It was also observed a reduction in the avoidance and the fear of eating (from 10 and 9 to 6 and 5 respectively) and increased the impulse control (from 2 to 7). The patient felt that the VR experience seemed real and similar to reality (mean score of 8.3 over 10). Before and after the seven VR sessions, there was a decrease in the drive for thinness, bulimia, ineffectiveness, and BITE symptoms and severity, and in the general psychopathology. Moreover, the patient improved her motivation to change. Results suggest that VR is a relevant and effective complement to traditional treatment in a BN patient. Further studies should continue this line of research by using larger sample sizes with different diagnoses and subtypes and control groups.

Keywords : Eating disorders; Bulimia purgative subtype; Virtual reality; Case study.

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