Short-Term Weight Restoration in Anorexia Nervosa Through Operant Conditioning

Abstract

Operant conditioning was applied to a total of 32 female anorexia nervosa patients in order to restore their normal weight. A comparative study was carried out on two groups of 16 patients each, who were treated with two different therapeutic procedures. The group having informational feedback, more flexible contacts with their family and a special psychomotor program (Group B), achieved a greater rate of weight gain compared to the other group (Group A), with an average of 1.75 versus 1.30 per week. The differences in weight evolution and problems during treatment are discussed. The fact that the study only is a short-term one concerning a limited aspect of the treatment of anorexia nervosa, and also the need for further follow-up research is strongly emphasized.