Objective: Novel approaches to the treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN) are needed. This preliminary study examined the utility and safety of an exposure therapy intervention and D-cycloserine (DCS) in a population of patients with AN.
Method: Eleven participants completed a series of 6 laboratory meals, including pre- and post-exposure test meals and four exposure sessions. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either DCS or placebo in double-blind fashion before each of the 4 exposure sessions. These results were compared to data from a previously studied group of patients who received treatment as usual.
Results: Total caloric intake increased significantly from the baseline meal session to the post-test meal session in the patients who received the exposure therapy intervention. Caloric intake did not increase significantly in the comparison group.
Conclusion: These data suggest that an exposure therapy intervention specifically focused on meal consumption may be helpful in increasing intake of a test meal.