The use of exposure with response prevention in a male anorexic.

ABSTRACT

The present case study describes the use of exposure with response prevention (ERP) in a 24-yr-old male with anorexia nervosa. In this case, ERP offered an opportunity to address problematic cognitions and decrease the anxiety associated with consumption of high fat/high calorie foods. By the end of 34 treatment sessions, the client's distress decreased while eating high-fat/high-calorie foods and he integrated a greater variety of foods in his diet. Implication for conceptualizing anorexia nervosa within an anxiety reduction/avoidance cycle is discussed with reference to the recent literature.