Virtual Reality as an Innovative Tool for Eating Disorders Psychological Treatment

# Background This review aims to examine scientific evidence, therapeutic approaches, and outcomes achieved through the use of Virtual Reality (VR) in the context of Eating Disorders. # Method We conducted a systematic search (PRISMA) and selected articles published in databases such as PubMed, H...

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Main Authors: Abdulnaser Fakhrou, Gabriele Avincola, Giorgia Farruggio, Idria Verduzzo, Pasquale Caponnetto
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Open Medical Publishing 2024-10-01
Series:Health Psychology Research
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.52965/001c.123286
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author Abdulnaser Fakhrou
Gabriele Avincola
Giorgia Farruggio
Idria Verduzzo
Pasquale Caponnetto
author_facet Abdulnaser Fakhrou
Gabriele Avincola
Giorgia Farruggio
Idria Verduzzo
Pasquale Caponnetto
author_sort Abdulnaser Fakhrou
collection DOAJ
description # Background This review aims to examine scientific evidence, therapeutic approaches, and outcomes achieved through the use of Virtual Reality (VR) in the context of Eating Disorders. # Method We conducted a systematic search (PRISMA) and selected articles published in databases such as PubMed, Health and Medical Collection, and Science Direct Elsevier Journal. # Results Numerous pieces of evidence demonstrate that VR is a valuable tool in treating anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Additionally, it proves effective in addressing components of Eating Disorders (EDs), such as attentional bias related to body image and Body Image Disturbance. Specifically, the following treatments have emerged: VR Cue Exposure, Body Swapping, AB Modification Training via VR, and repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation combined with VR. Virtual environments and embodiment in virtual bodies also allow for the assessment of variables related to EDs. # Conclusion This review highlights how VR, with its specific characteristics, serves as an excellent ally to enhance both assessment and treatment for EDs. Future research should focus on filling existing gaps and delving into aspects not yet explored. One potential development could involve creating guidelines for VR use in EDs.
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institution Kabale University
issn 2420-8124
language English
publishDate 2024-10-01
publisher Open Medical Publishing
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series Health Psychology Research
spelling doaj-art-d8b4f1dbd4f64cd5bb5ba59c4e5f89532025-02-11T20:30:16ZengOpen Medical PublishingHealth Psychology Research2420-81242024-10-0112Virtual Reality as an Innovative Tool for Eating Disorders Psychological TreatmentAbdulnaser FakhrouGabriele AvincolaGiorgia FarruggioIdria VerduzzoPasquale Caponnetto# Background This review aims to examine scientific evidence, therapeutic approaches, and outcomes achieved through the use of Virtual Reality (VR) in the context of Eating Disorders. # Method We conducted a systematic search (PRISMA) and selected articles published in databases such as PubMed, Health and Medical Collection, and Science Direct Elsevier Journal. # Results Numerous pieces of evidence demonstrate that VR is a valuable tool in treating anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Additionally, it proves effective in addressing components of Eating Disorders (EDs), such as attentional bias related to body image and Body Image Disturbance. Specifically, the following treatments have emerged: VR Cue Exposure, Body Swapping, AB Modification Training via VR, and repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation combined with VR. Virtual environments and embodiment in virtual bodies also allow for the assessment of variables related to EDs. # Conclusion This review highlights how VR, with its specific characteristics, serves as an excellent ally to enhance both assessment and treatment for EDs. Future research should focus on filling existing gaps and delving into aspects not yet explored. One potential development could involve creating guidelines for VR use in EDs.https://doi.org/10.52965/001c.123286
spellingShingle Abdulnaser Fakhrou
Gabriele Avincola
Giorgia Farruggio
Idria Verduzzo
Pasquale Caponnetto
Virtual Reality as an Innovative Tool for Eating Disorders Psychological Treatment
Health Psychology Research
title Virtual Reality as an Innovative Tool for Eating Disorders Psychological Treatment
title_full Virtual Reality as an Innovative Tool for Eating Disorders Psychological Treatment
title_fullStr Virtual Reality as an Innovative Tool for Eating Disorders Psychological Treatment
title_full_unstemmed Virtual Reality as an Innovative Tool for Eating Disorders Psychological Treatment
title_short Virtual Reality as an Innovative Tool for Eating Disorders Psychological Treatment
title_sort virtual reality as an innovative tool for eating disorders psychological treatment
url https://doi.org/10.52965/001c.123286
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