Objective:

To analyze the impact of a therapeutic intervention using the body in a functional way with a coherent response pattern (cognitive, motoric and autonomic) independently of the body image satisfaction or distortion.

Method:

Mixed (quantitative and qualitative). Twenty one women with AN, BN or EDNOS (DSM-V), completed the BSQ and self evaluation of body image questionnaires before and after 14 sessions, built the photographic history of their body, organized their exposure hierarchy and perform sensory integration exercises. The narratives of these experiences were registered. Therapist evaluated the responses in a qualitative way.

Results:

90.47% were able to expose themselves to all items in their hierarchy, 95.23% behave in a coherent way, 76.19% continued responding in such a way, 95.23% had a coherent emotional response and 90.47% thought about experiencing pleasure when behaving in such a way. Significant differences were founded in BSQ pre and post (Chi2 16.4, P = .0001), but not in relation with ED type, age, chronicity, or BMI.

Conclusion:

Exposure techniques that focus on the functional use of the body seem to help construct evidences that facilitate changes in autonomic, motoric and autonomic responses, independently of body satisfaction or distortion.