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The use of a vodcast to support eating and reduce anxiety in people with eating disorder: A case series
Author(s) -
Treasure Janet,
Macare Christine,
Mentxaka Izaskun Ortega,
Harrison Amy
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
european eating disorders review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.511
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1099-0968
pISSN - 1072-4133
DOI - 10.1002/erv.1034
Subject(s) - eating disorders , anxiety , psychology , anorexia nervosa , psychopathology , meal , clinical psychology , intervention (counseling) , naturalistic observation , psychiatry , medicine , social psychology , pathology
Individuals with eating disorders have difficulty controlling obsessive intrusions and ritualistic behaviours relating to food and exercise. An imagery‐based intervention using a vodcast (small video file played on a mobile phone or portable media device), with visual and aural components, was designed to target eating related psychopathology in a consecutive series of four patients. The vodcast was used to support consumption of a smoothie, both as a behavioural experiment and at home, in naturalistic circumstances. More of the smoothie was drunk in a shorter time when the smoothie was offered with the vodcast (mean of 218 g, SD = 64) than in the comparison condition (mean of 160 g, SD = 71). The vodcast condition was associated with reduced anxiety in three out of four patients. Three out of four patients used the vodcasts at home and found they provided them with support and motivation. All patients' weight increased after 3 months. Using a vodcast to support patients during meal times may be a useful addition to treatment for anorexia nervosa. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.