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Using virtual reality for cue-exposure therapy in a case of bulimia nervosa

Abstract:

This case study describes the use of a virtual reality-based cue-exposure therapy (VR-CET) for a patient diagnosed with bulimia nervosa (BN) who was resistant to standard cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). After six VR-CE booster sessions, both anxiety and food craving dropped significantly. No binging and purging episodes were reported at the end of the treatment. Patient’s mood and confidence to change were also improved. Finally, both eating symptoms and food craving were reduced at the end of the VR-CET. These results support the use of VR-CE as an effective component for the treatment of BN to reduce bulimia symptoms, body dissatisfaction and craving, especially in patients resistant to conventional treatments.