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05:52
Hyponeophagia: A Measure of Anxiety in the Mouse
Published on: May 17, 2011
Exploratory study to decrease postprandial anxiety: Just relax!
Jennifer R Shapiro1, Emily M Pisetsky, Wen Crenshaw
1Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. jshapiro@med.unc.edu
The International Journal of Eating Disorders
|June 6, 2008
Summary
Progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and self-directed relaxation significantly reduced anxiety after meals in women with anorexia nervosa (AN). These relaxation techniques are well-accepted and recommended for AN treatment.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- Anorexia nervosa (AN) treatment requires re-nutrition and weight restoration, which can provoke significant anxiety.
- Postprandial anxiety is a common and distressing symptom for individuals with AN.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of three relaxation techniques in reducing postprandial anxiety in females with AN.
- To compare progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), guided imagery (GI), and self-directed relaxation (SR) against a control condition (C).
Main Methods:
- Sixty-four female participants with AN received daily relaxation training for 15 days post-hospital admission.
- Anxiety levels, feelings of fullness, and weight-related thoughts were measured before and after each session.
- Treatment acceptability and likelihood of future use were also assessed.
Main Results:
- All conditions showed some improvement, but PMR, GI, and SR significantly reduced anxiety and increased relaxation compared to the control group (p < .0001).
- Active relaxation conditions were significantly more enjoyable and recommended by participants.
- Participants were more inclined to reuse PMR or GI compared to the control.
Conclusions:
- Relaxation techniques, particularly PMR and GI, may be effective interventions for managing postprandial anxiety in AN.
- These methods offer a valuable, well-accepted adjunct to traditional AN treatment.
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