Preliminary Findings of Effectiveness of Biofeedback and Neurofeedback Modalities in an Integrative Treatment Program for Eating Disorders

Peter Smith, PsyD
Mirasol, Inc., Tucson, Arizona PNS001@aol.com

Introduction.
Eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates of any DSM-IV diagnosis (Fichter & Quadflieg, 1999) and research indicates that traditional treatment methods have not been very effective. In contrast, Mirasol's residential treatment program incorporates both traditional psychotherapeutic modalities and alternative therapies (autonomic and EEG biofeedback, polarity, and acupuncture). This pilot study assessed the effectiveness of the Mirasol integrative treatment approach.

Method.
All women were independently diagnosed with an eating disorder prior to admission. At intake each patient was administered a Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA), MMPI-2, Beck Depression Inventory-2, Eating Disorders Inventory-2, Eysenck Personality Inventory, Tellegen Absorption Scale, and the Marlowe Crown Test. Reassessment occurred after four weeks of treatment and weight was monitored weekly. Participants received an average of eight sessions of polarity, acupuncture and autonomic biofeedback, and 12-16 sessions of EEG Biofeedback. Patients also received daily group treatment and two individual psychotherapy sessions per week. Protocol selection in EEG biofeedback was based on a combination of symptom complaints at intake and TOVA scores.

Results.
Data from 21 anorexic and 54 bulimic women were analyzed. T-tests revealed significant decreases in BDI-2 scores, neuroticism scores, and all EDI-2 subscale scores, and a significant increase in extraversion scores for both anorexics and bulimics. MMPI-2 changes revealed a reduction in symptoms associated with distress. In addition, anorexics gained weight significantly. All tests were significant at the .03 level.

Conclusion.
These results demonstrate significant improvement in mood and relevant personality characteristics, and the EDI showed reduced eating disorder symptoms. Weight changes were in the desired direction for both over-and under-weight patients. The findings will be discussed in relation to Mirasol's integrative approach, compared to more traditional eating disorder treatment programs.

Reference.
Fichter, M. M. & Quadflieg, N. (1999). Six-year course and outcome of anorexia nervosa. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 26, 359-385.