1624 – Prospective Evaluation Of Sensorial Trainings On Body Mass Index In Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract

Introduction

In our medical service specialized in feeding disorders, we observed a loss of sensorial abilites (i.e., olfactory and taste). Since 2006 we proposed to adolescent anorexic patients different sensorial trainings: somesthesic, auditory and olfactory. In this scope of research, the data suggest a rehabituation to smells and taste linked to food stimuli and enhance the remember of events related to feeding behaviors.

Objectives

The use of this particular way of care focused on the oral area, lead to observe a diminution of hospitalization duration (30%). We propose an evaluation of the therapeutic impact after 6 months and one year on the basis of a main criteria the Body Mass Index.

Aims

We expected that the use of a olfactory food stimulus is associated to higher scores of pleasantness judgment and could participate to an adequate treatment of feeding disorders.

Methods

Two groups of patients were submitted to sensorial trainings: somesthesic and auditory vs somesthesic and olfactory. The sensorial trainings are conducted once a week. After 14 weeks several functions are tested (clinical, cognitive and sensorial). Sensorial evaluation consist in several judgment tasks (Liking vs Wanting) about stimuli presented visually or olfactory.

Results

Preliminary results show that olfactory perception enhance the pleasantness judgment of stimuli (e.g., flower or strawberry).