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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
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
Objective:
Critical first steps in the treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN) include re-nutrition and weight restoration, both highly anxiety provoking for patients. We explored the impact of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), guided imagery (GI), self-directed relaxation (SR), and control (C) on reducing postprandial anxiety in 64 females with AN.
Method:
Participants began the study upon hospital admission. They received relaxation training after lunch for 15 days. Pre- and post-session anxiety and treatment acceptability ratings were made daily.
Results:
Although all conditions improved relaxation and decreased anxiety, feelings of fullness, and thoughts about weight, the three active conditions significantly reduced anxiety and increased relaxation more than C (p < .0001). Participants significantly enjoyed the three active treatments, were more likely to recommend them to a friend, and were more likely to use either PMR or GI again versus C (p < .0001).
Conclusion:
Relaxation may be a valuable component for reducing postprandial anxiety in AN.
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