Behavior Therapy of Anorexia Nervosa: Effectiveness of Activity as a Reinforcer of Weight Gain
BARTON J. BLINDER M.D.1,
DANIEL M.A. FREEMAN M.D.2, , and
ALBERT J. STUNKARD M.D.3
1 U.S. Air Force Medical Corps department of mental health, regional hospital, Sheppard AFB, Tex.
2 Associate, Philadelphia Child Guidance Clinic, and psychiatrist for staffing and education, Eastern State School and Hospital, Trevose, Pa.
3 Chairman, department of psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania
The authors present a technique for weight restoration in a condition that is often highly refractory to therapy, with mortality rates of up to 15 percent. Operant reinforcement was applied to three consecutive patients by making access to physical activity contingent upon weight gain. Treatment of from four to six weeks resulted in rapid weight restoration. Modifications of the technique, illustrating variations in operant reinforcement, are also reported.
