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Related Concept Videos

Bulimia Nervosa01:30

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by a cyclical pattern of binge-and-purge eating pattern. It generally involves an episode of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, laxative use, or fasting, to prevent weight gain. Despite often maintaining a normal weight, individuals with bulimia are intensely preoccupied with their body image and harbor an overwhelming fear of gaining weight. This can contribute to the...
Binge Eating Disorders01:23

Binge Eating Disorders

Binge eating disorder is a significant mental health condition characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive food consumption within a short period, accompanied by a perceived loss of control over eating behavior. Unlike occasional overeating, binge eating disorder is marked by distressing emotions such as guilt, shame, and anxiety following binge episodes. The disorder affects individuals across different ages and backgrounds, with profound implications for physical and psychological...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Development of a Virtual Reality Assessment of Everyday Living Skills
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Virtual Reality-Based Avatar Intervention for Eating Disorders: Mixed Methods Feasibility Study.

Nina Kappel Hansen1,2, Emma Slebsager Ries1, Katrine Rasmussen1

  • 1VIRTU Research Group, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hellerup, Capital Region, Denmark.

JMIR Formative Research
|March 24, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This pilot study shows that virtual reality (VR) therapy targeting the eating disorder voice is feasible and acceptable for patients with eating disorders. The novel VR intervention demonstrated preliminary clinical improvements, supporting further research.

Keywords:
Virtual reality-assisted therapyanorexia nervosaanorexic voicebulimia nervosaeating disorder voiceeating disordersexternalization techniquesnarrative therapyrelational therapy

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Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry and Psychology
  • Digital Health
  • Clinical Intervention Research

Background:

  • Eating disorders are often maintained by an "inner eating disorder voice" reinforcing maladaptive patterns.
  • This voice is prevalent in patients and correlates with increased illness severity.
  • Novel psychological interventions are needed to target these maintaining factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of a novel virtual reality (VR)-based therapy.
  • The therapy targets the "inner eating disorder voice" in individuals with eating disorders.
  • To explore preliminary clinical efficacy as an adjunct to treatment as usual.

Main Methods:

  • A single-arm, mixed methods pilot feasibility study involving 10 adults with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
  • Participants received a 7-session VR-based avatar therapy alongside treatment as usual.
  • Feasibility, acceptability, safety, and clinical outcomes were assessed using quantitative and qualitative measures.

Main Results:

  • The VR intervention was feasible, with high recruitment and retention rates (80% completion).
  • Participants reported high satisfaction and valued the immersive VR experience.
  • Exploratory analyses showed significant improvements in eating disorder symptoms, voice power dynamics, and emotion regulation.

Conclusions:

  • The VR-based avatar intervention for eating disorders is feasible, acceptable, and safe.
  • Preliminary clinical improvements suggest potential efficacy.
  • Further evaluation in a randomized clinical trial is warranted.