Inhibitory Learning during Exposure Treatment in Anorexia Nervosa: A Practical Guide

Exposure therapy is known to be an effective intervention in the treatment of anxiety-related disorders. In eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, anxiety and avoidance are identified as maintenance factors. Therefore, they may constitute an important treatment target, suitable for the use of exposure therapy. Remarkably, exposure techniques to target fears and avoidance behaviors are not commonly used in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. We present a practical guide for the implementation of exposure therapy in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. We outline how exposure therapy is supposed to work according to the inhibitory learning model and how the exposure intervention can be designed for individuals with anorexia nervosa. Practical examples are provided through the case presentation of a patient with anorexia nervosa who completed 31 exposure sessions that focused on her fears of food, eating, weight, weight gain, their feared social consequences and the associated safety behaviors.

Automated summary

Exposure therapy is an effective intervention for anxiety-related disorders and may also be suitable for treating anorexia nervosa. However, exposure techniques are not commonly used in anorexia nervosa treatment. This article provides a practical guide for implementing exposure therapy in anorexia nervosa treatment, including the inhibitory learning model and designing exposure interventions specifically for individuals with anorexia nervosa. A case presentation is included to demonstrate the application of exposure therapy in treating fears and avoidance behaviors associated with anorexia nervosa.