Positive Affect Treatment (PAT) to Target Reward Mechanisms in Anorexia Nervosa

PAT was designed as a 15-week intervention delivered in 3 modules. Module 1 (Pleasant Events Scheduling) uses behavioral activation methods to enhance positive experiencing before, during, and after rewarding events. Module 2 (Attending to the Positive) applies cognitive training techniques to promote shifting attention towards rewarding aspects of daily situations and to learn behavior mood associations. Module 3 (Cultivating the Positive) uses mindfulness approaches to foster reward experiencing. Treatment length has been expanded to 20 sessions to enhance the suitability of the intervention for AN and target the reward mechanisms that characterize AN. Additional adaptations include: 1) An emphasis on a mindful balance between reward and inhibition; 2) Additional module on shifting attention away from AN-specific rewards; 3) Addition of exercises to work towards long-term life goals and enhance healthy experiences; and 4) Further focus on navigating social rewards.