[Lichaam en geest bij anorexia nervosa; een systematisch literatuuroverzicht]

Body image disturbance is a key component in anorexia nervosa (AN). In the treatment of AN this disturbed perception of the body poses a hindrance for clinical improvement and weight gain. Mindfulness and yoga are associated with a positive effect on the symptomatology of eating disorders.

We examined the therapeutical effect of mindfulness and yoga in the treatment of body image disturbances in AN patients.

A systematic search in four medical databases using the concepts: ‘anorexia nervosa’, ‘consciousness-based therapy’ and ‘body image’. Results were included in a qualitative analysis.

10 studies were included in our analysis of which 3 dealt with mindfulness, 6 with yoga and 1 discussed a mixed program of both interventions.

We revealed a favourable effect of mindfulness and yoga on the symptoms of eating disorders among which AN. We also saw both quantitative and qualitative improvements of body image disturbance through general and specific measuring instruments. After the interventions the preoccupation and dissatisfaction with the body diminished together with the urge to lose weight. The heightened bodily awareness gave patients the ability to challenge negative assumptions about their bodies and resulted in increased bodily acceptation.