Exposure and response prevention are two techniques used to treat intense anxiety and obsessions. Then, for the response prevention element, the ritual the person has done to relieve her anxiety is eliminated. This might be applied to exercise or body image problems by limiting exercise time or by not looking in the mirror or checking one's weight. Some people can do these techniques on their own, says Sprafkin. But outside help is often needed initially because the person is accustomed to rationalizing the need for excessive exercise.
Regular exercise is healthy.
But when a person's desire to work out blocks satisfying relationships and enjoyment of life in other areas, it's a serious problem. All rights reserved.