An experimental analysis of the interaction of chemotherapy and behavior therapy in anorexia nervosa

Abstract

The interaction of imipramine and operant conditioning on weight gain in an anorexia nervosa patient was examined by a single-subject experiment consisting of a baseline and four treatment phases: phase 1--contingency management only; phase 2--contingency management plus imipramine; phase 3--contingency management plus imipramine placebo; phase 4--contingency management only. The results showed that the interaction of drug and behavior therapy had no significant effect on weight gain, but that imipramine may have contributed to a decrease in depression. Observations are made regarding weight changes related to passes and medication refusals.