The Virtual Kitchen is a Virtual Reality programme designed to help individuals with eating disorders overcome negative reactions to food through exposure therapy
Virtual Kitchen
Virtual Kitchen was developed by Professor Conxa Perpiñá at the University of Valencia. This tool is now being used by Prof. Janet Treasure and Valentina Cardi from The Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College, London
The Virtual software displays a virtual kitchen, which can be explored using the mouse. Food items of different caloric content (e.g. fruit, salad, yoghurt, chicken, lasagne, cake) can be found in a fridge and on different shelves. These food items may be cooked and eaten on a table in the kitchen using plates and cutlery. Eating different foods leads to hearing distinct sounds from the computer program
How does it work?
By simulating interaction with food, Virtual Kitchen aims to overcome food fears through tailored exposure therapy. Exposure therapy works at overcoming the avoidance tendency associated with fear and includes gradual exposure to a feared object or situation in a clinical setting experienced as safe and supporting. Designed as a supplement to treatment for a person with Anorexia Nervosa and other eating disorders, Virtual Kitchen has been shown to reduce anxiety and food fears.
How do we know it works?
Virtual Kitchen is based on over 25 years of exposure therapy research that demonstrates the effectiveness of exposing the phobic individuals to stimuli that frighten them and cause anxiety and withdrawal. Further studies have shown that exposure therapy can be effective as part of the treatment for eating disorders.
Virtual Reality exposure has been also shown to be as effective as exposure in reality. Virtual Kitchen allows treatment to be tailored specifically to the individual, while maintaining a comfortable environment.
Preliminary studies at The Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College, on Virtual Kitchen have shown the program to be highly effective for people with both anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Small case-studies show how the intervention was followed by an increased number of food choices in real life and how it reduced levels of fear and anxiety related to food. Mood, self-esteem, family and social life also improved significantly. Further in-depth studies are on-going.
What next?
The Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London and The Succeed Foundation are collaborating to use neuroimaging technology (brain scans) to test the efficacy of an intensive intervention combining both the use of Succeed Vodcasts and Virtual Kitchen in producing changes in the brain activations related to food. Brain scans will be carried out both before and after the intervention to evaluate whether changes will occur in the brain regions related to anxiety and over-control associated with food in people with anorexia nervosa.
Though currently in the research stage, the end goal for the Virtual Kitchen project is to create an evidence-based tool to help with recovery from eating disorders. Developing research into programmes is an integral part of Our Approach
How can I get involved?
Due to the project being in the very early stages, involvement opportunities are limited.
If you would like further information however, please do email us at: [email protected]
Also, see our forum for further updates and discussion on the Virtual Kitchen project.
The Succeed Foundation believes passionately in working with as many people as we can. This way, we are able to bring people together and draw lessons from a wide range of experience. For more information on how you can work towards a world free from eating disorders, please see Get involved.
