Realidad virtual para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de Trastornos de Conducta Alimentaria: una revisión sistemática

espanolIntroduccion: Los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TCA) se caracterizan por un miedo intenso a ganar peso y conductas de control del mismo. Las personas con TCA manifiestan peor calidad de vida que la poblacion general y el abordaje de sus complicaciones supone elevados costes socio-sanitarios. Materiales y metodos: Para comprobar la eficacia de la Realidad Virtual (RV) como he-rramienta de diagnostico y/o soporte al tratamiento de TCA, se realizo una revision sistematica de articulos publicados entre 2012 y 2018 en PubMed (MEDLINE). Resultados: Se seleccionaron 7 ar-ticulos que emplearon la RV como tratamiento, 5 como soporte diagnostico y 3 como ambas (N=15). Conclusiones: La RV demuestra ser efectiva para mitigar la ansiedad ante la exposicion a alimentos, reducir conductas exageradas de control de peso, y facilitar el abordaje terapeutico del auto-concepto e imagen corporal. Tambien demostro mayor eficacia frente al tratamiento conven-cional o como tratamiento de segundo nivel. EnglishIntroduction: Eating and weight disorders (EWD) are characterized by intense fear of gaining weight and control behaviors. People affected by a EWD present worse quality of life than the general population, and the management of their complications implies high socio-sanitary costs. Materials and methods: In order to verify the effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) as a diagnos-tic and/or supportive tool for the treatment of EWD, a systematic review of articles published be-tween 2012 and 2018 in PubMed (MEDLINE) was carried out. Results: 7 articles that used RV as treatment, 5 as diagnostic support and 3 as both were selected (N=15). Conclusions: VR demon-strates effectiveness in mitigating anxiety when exposed to food, reducing exaggerated weight control behaviors, and facilitating the therapeutic approach to self-concept and body image. It has also demonstrated greater efficacy in comparison to treatment as usual or as a second level treatment.