A virtual program to help prevent relapse in anorexia nervosa by facing food-related fears.
Official title: Facing Eating Disorder Fears for Anorexia Nervosa: A Virtual Relapse Prevention Program Targeted at Approach and Avoidance Behaviors
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-10831991 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | May 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $195,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R34MH126965-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10831991 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently completed acute treatment for anorexia nervosa and are at risk of relapse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are currently in acute treatment for anorexia nervosa or those with severe comorbid psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levinson, Cheri Alicia — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Levinson, Cheri Alicia
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Relapse prevention for anorexia nervosa by changing habits
This project tests habit-focused relapse-prevention treatments to help adults with anorexia nervosa stay well after completing acute treatment.
-
Brain signs that predict relapse after anorexia treatment
This project looks at patterns of brain activity to help predict which adults with anorexia nervosa are likely to stay well after weight-restoration treatment.
-
REACH+ program to prevent relapse in adults with anorexia nervosa
A program for adults with anorexia nervosa to reduce relapse after hospital treatment by testing habit-focused behavioral components.
-
Understanding brain factors that predict recovery from anorexia nervosa
This study is looking at how brain activity can help predict whether people with anorexia nervosa, who have recently gained weight, will do well in a special treatment program that helps change eating habits, so they can get the best support possible.
-
Improving prevention of relapse in anorexia nervosa
This study is all about helping people with anorexia nervosa stay healthy after they leave the hospital by finding better ways to change the habits that make it hard for them to eat well.
-
Understanding how habits influence anorexia nervosa and its remission
A research study will explore how habitual eating patterns and brain systems keep anorexia nervosa going, and how these habits might change when people recover.
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.