A virtual program to help prevent relapse in anorexia nervosa by facing food-related fears.
Facing Eating Disorder Fears for Anorexia Nervosa: A Virtual Relapse Prevention Program Targeted at Approach and Avoidance Behaviors
This study is testing a friendly online program designed to help people recovering from anorexia nervosa face their fears about food and social situations, making it easier for them to stay on track and avoid setbacks in their recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10831991 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a virtual relapse prevention program specifically for individuals recovering from anorexia nervosa. It aims to help patients confront their fears related to food, weight gain, and social situations through a structured approach that combines exposure therapy with cognitive skills training. By utilizing a virtual format, the program seeks to provide support in real-world contexts, enhancing patients' ability to engage in healthier behaviors and reduce avoidance. The goal is to improve recovery outcomes and decrease the likelihood of relapse after acute treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently completed acute treatment for anorexia nervosa and are at risk of relapse.
Not a fit: Patients who are currently in acute treatment for anorexia nervosa or those with severe comorbid psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the long-term recovery and quality of life for individuals with anorexia nervosa.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using virtual formats for exposure therapy, suggesting that this approach could be effective for relapse prevention in eating disorders.
Where this research is happening
Louisville, United States
- University of Louisville — Louisville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levinson, Cheri Alicia — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Levinson, Cheri Alicia
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.