Medical Mindfulness: Virtual Reality Mindfulness Therapy for Eating Disorders

Medical Mindfulness: Virtual Reality Mindfulness Therapy for Anxiety and Pain Management in Adolescent and Young Adult Patients With Eating Disorders

Adolescents and young adults with eating disorders undergoing refeeding on an inpatient unit often experience abdominal pain and anxiety either as a result of their medical condition or as an expected side effect of nutritional rehabilitation. The purpose of this study is to assess if VR (Virtual Reality) mindfulness therapy is more or as effective as the standard of care (supportive care such as aromatherapy, heat packs, distraction, and nausea bands) for treating and/or preventing anxiety and pain in patients with eating disorders during the re-nourishment process. The anticipated primary outcome will be reduction of abdominal pain and anxiety with utilization of this intervention.

In this study, investigators hope to 1) assess acceptance of VR mindfulness among inpatient adolescents and young adults with eating disorders 2) assess effects of VR mindfulness on perceived abdominal pain and 3) determine the impact of VR mindfulness on anxiety scores.

This study is designed to test the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of VR mindfulness in patients as they undergo various medical and nutritional therapies to treat their conditions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients admitted to the inpatient medical unit for refeeding for malnutrition

Exclusion Criteria:

• non-English speakers