Float Therapy Shows Promise in Easing Anorexia Symptoms, Study Finds

Float Therapy Shows Promise in Easing Anorexia Symptoms, Study Finds

Float therapy, a novel approach to treating anorexia nervosa, has shown promise in reducing certain aspects of the eating disorder, according to a recent study. Conducted at a Tulsa clinic, the research involved 68 women and girls receiving treatment for anorexia. Of the participants, 45 engaged in one-hour float therapy sessions twice per week for four weeks, while the remaining 23 formed the control group.

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, and distorted perception of weight. Individuals with the disorder resort to extreme measures, such as severe caloric restriction, vomiting, laxative abuse, or excessive exercise, to prevent weight gain. Unfortunately, anorexia carries the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder, with approximately 5% of patients dying within the first four years of diagnosis.

The concept behind float therapy for anorexia hinges on the idea that patients with the disorder have impaired abilities to sense internal signals from their bodies, known as interoceptive abilities. These individuals struggle to perceive and attend to their bodily experiences in the same way as healthy individuals. Float therapy, conducted in a soundproof room where patients are immersed in warm, salty water, helps individuals become more attuned to their body signals.

The study utilized the Photographic Figure Rating Scale to measure body dissatisfaction. Both immediately after float therapy and during the six-month follow-up, participants who underwent the therapy demonstrated significant reductions in body dissatisfaction levels. The control group, however, did not exhibit significant changes in body dissatisfaction.

Participants also experienced diminished anxiety immediately after float therapy sessions. Although anxiety levels generally remained unchanged throughout the six-month follow-up, the therapy’s immediate effects on anxiety reduction were notable.

Dr. Sahib Khalsa, the study’s senior author and director of the Laureate Institute’s Float Clinic and Research Center, explained that rather than perceiving their bodies as more overweight after each float session, participants tended to choose body silhouettes more closely related to their actual body mass index (BMI). This shift in perception is crucial for individuals battling anorexia, as body dissatisfaction is a significant challenge in recovery.

While the findings of the study are promising, Dr. Victor Fornari, a child psychiatrist at Northwell Health, emphasized the importance of maintaining usual care alongside float therapy. Typical treatment for anorexia involves hospitalization to address medical complications arising from malnourishment, coupled with psychiatric care. Psychotherapy, medical care, healthy weight restoration, and supportive networks play integral roles in the treatment process.

It’s worth noting that the causes of anorexia remain unclear, as it is a complex bio-psycho-social illness. Risk factors, perpetuating factors, and precipitating factors all contribute to the development and continuation of the disorder. These factors can range from family history of eating disorders, body dissatisfaction, and mental health disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety, to traumatic experiences and family dynamics.

While more research is necessary to fully understand the impact of float therapy on anorexia treatment, these initial findings hold promise for enhancing recovery outcomes. Float therapy, when used in conjunction with established treatment strategies, may help individuals with anorexia develop a healthier body perception and reduce associated anxiety levels.