Imaginal Exposure II Study: In-Vivo

In-Vivo Treatment for Imaginal Exposure Therapy

The purpose of this study is to test if imaginal exposure therapy can decrease symptoms of eating disorders and anxiety.

An initial meeting consisting of a screening, questionnaires, and a brief psychoeducation on imaginal exposure therapy, followed by 8-10 sessions with a licensed psychologist (the PI) or a clinical psychology graduate student who is supervised and trained by the PI. In Session 1, patients will create a script with the therapist on an eating disorder fear. In sessions 2-10 the therapist and patient will then imagine this eating disorder related fear based on the script. Each session will be modified to focus on "hot spots" or the most feared aspect of the script. Sessions will be audiotaped and videotaped and participants will be asked to listen to the sessions nightly for homework. Sessions will be weekly or twice per week for 8-10 weeks after the initial screening session.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Must be at least 18 years of age (no age limit)
• Must currently meet criteria for anorexia, sub-clinical anorexia, bulimia, or sub-clinical bulimia (using the eating disorder diagnostic scale), OR have met criteria for one of these eating disorders in the last year, OR endorse significant eating disorder fears
• Must have at least one significant eating disorder related fear.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Under 18 years of age
• Individuals who have binge eating disorder or an unspecified eating disorder, OR who do not meet eating disorder related criteria
• Individuals who meet criteria for mania, psychosis, or suicidal ideation
• Participants who are not able to secure transportation to complete therapy sessions