Improving outcomes in adolescents with anorexia nervosa using cognitive therapy
Official title: Shifting Perspectives: Enhancing outcomes in adolescent anorexia nervosa with cognitive remediation therapy
Funded at Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · NIH-10683351 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special therapy called Cognitive Remediation Therapy can help teenagers with anorexia nervosa and their parents think more flexibly and make better decisions, while also figuring out the best way to use this therapy alongside family support for the best results.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $720,102 |
| NIH project number | 5R33MH119262-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10683351 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who are diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, as well as their parents.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not adolescents or do not have anorexia nervosa may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) can enhance cognitive flexibility in adolescents suffering from anorexia nervosa and their parents. The study will first establish the effectiveness of CRT in improving set-shifting abilities, which are crucial for decision-making and adaptability. It will also explore the optimal dosage of CRT needed for significant improvement and assess whether combining CRT with Family Based Treatment (FBT) yields better results than FBT alone. By focusing on both adolescents and their parents, the research aims to address cognitive challenges that arise from malnutrition and stress during treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment outcomes for adolescents with anorexia nervosa by enhancing cognitive flexibility.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been pilot studies on cognitive remediation in adolescents with anorexia nervosa, this approach specifically targeting both adolescents and parents is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Timko, C. Alix — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Timko, C. Alix
Related research
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A study tests if an online guided self-help version of family-based treatment works as well as standard treatment for teens with anorexia nervosa, in real-world clinics.
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Online guided family-based program for adolescents with anorexia nervosa
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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.