Improving outcomes in adolescents with anorexia nervosa using cognitive therapy

Shifting Perspectives: Enhancing outcomes in adolescent anorexia nervosa with cognitive remediation therapy

NIH-funded research Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · NIH-10683351

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionChildren's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10683351 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who are diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, as well as their parents.

Not a fit: Patients who are not adolescents or do not have anorexia nervosa may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.