In the field of mental illness , virtual reality has become an important tool in various therapies . The use of virtual reality headsets in the therapeutic process for mental illness is now regularly recommended. Here is a new example, focusing on eating disorders .
What are the different types of eating disorders?
First, let's clarify that eating disorders (EDs) are mental illnesses. This differs from other eating-related illnesses, which can be caused by a physical condition.
Eating disorders therefore correspond to behaviors, with regard to food, which are unusual, persist over time and, above all, have harmful effects on the physical and mental health of the affected individual.
There are three types of eating disorders:
- bulimia (compulsive ingestion of large quantities of food, followed by compensation in the form of vomiting, intense physical exercise, taking medication, etc.).
- bulimic hyperphagia (when bulimic episodes are not associated with compensation such as mentioned above).
- Anorexia nervosa (when a person develops a strong fear of gaining weight and submits to food deprivation, with the aim of extreme weight loss. The person always thinks they are overweight).
Eating disorders, a mental illness, affect a diverse population. However, these disorders are more prevalent among young women. Indeed, according to the French National Authority for Health (HAS) , bulimia affects 1.5% of 11- to 20-year-olds, with a ratio of three girls to one boy. Similarly, anorexia nervosa affects 1.2% of women and 0.25% of men. Finally, binge eating disorder is equally common in men and women.
What role can virtual reality play in the fight against eating disorders?
Virtual reality can be a useful tool for treating eating disorders, as well as other mental health conditions. In Canada, the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières conducted a study showing that virtual reality can help prevent and treat certain eating disorder-related conditions.
Source: Photo by Jesper Aggergaard on Unsplash
Researcher Johana Monthuy-Blanc's team has developed a new form of assessment. Usually, in eating disorder assessments, people have to choose the silhouette that they think most resembles them from among drawings on a sheet of paper.
Johana Monthuy-Blanc opted for virtual reality. Using a headset, the person being treated is presented with seven silhouettes, from the thinnest to the most stout. First, the person chooses the silhouette that best represents them, from an external perspective. Then, they see the chosen body in first-person view, on themselves. This makes the experience and the assessment more immersive and impactful.
Johana Monthuy-Blanc's work offers much more precise assessments thanks to virtual reality. Thus, virtual reality allows for a more accurate diagnosis, leading to better care for individuals affected by eating disorders. More precise and effective therapy becomes possible.
Just as with other treatments for disorders such as phobias or anxiety , or for Alzheimer's disease, virtual reality can be useful in therapies related to eating disorders. Whether for assessment or the implementation of treatment, virtual reality has become a valuable tool in the field.
