Body image treatment within an inpatient program for anorexia nervosa: the role of mirror exposure in the desensitization process.
OBJECTIVE
This pilot study examined the role of mirror confrontation in the desensitization process of a body image treatment within an inpatient program for anorexia nervosa.


METHODS
A within-subjects design was used. It compared the impact of two modes of group body image treatment on body dissatisfaction, anxiety, and avoidance behaviors. Both treatments followed a set format of exposure exercises and homework, but the modified treatment also included mirror confrontation as an exposure exercise.


RESULTS
Standard treatment did not produce any significant changes. Modified treatment produced a significant and sustained improvement in body dissatisfaction and a significant reduction in body anxiety and avoidance behaviors.


CONCLUSIONS
Mirror confrontation is a more effective form of exposure because of the strong emotional response it elicits. Patients' pronounced emotional response to this exercise allowed easier identification of the affective and behavioral components of body dissatisfaction and more cogent links into a developmental body image timeline.
Key
Adrienne
A
Department of General Psychiatry, St. George's Hospital Medical School, University of London, London, United Kingdom. akey@sghms.ac.uk
George
C Louise
CL
Beattie
Desley
D
Stammers
Kate
K
Lacey
Hubert
H
Waller
Glenn
G
D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001828:Body Image; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003887:Desensitization, Psychologic / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric