Improving prevention of relapse in anorexia nervosa
Official title: Optimizing Relapse Prevention and Changing Habits (REACH+) in Anorexia Nervosa
Funded at New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC · NIH-10447774 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 8, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $220,998 |
| NIH project number | 5R34MH127180-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10447774 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have recently completed acute treatment for anorexia nervosa.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not diagnosed with anorexia nervosa or who are not in the recovery phase after acute treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on helping individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) prevent relapse after acute treatment. It aims to understand and modify the habitual behaviors that contribute to food intake restriction, which is a core issue in AN. Using a framework called Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST), the study will evaluate various treatment components to identify the most effective strategies for supporting patients during the vulnerable period following hospital care. By targeting entrenched thoughts and routines, the research seeks to enhance treatment outcomes and reduce the likelihood of relapse.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective strategies for preventing relapse in individuals recovering from anorexia nervosa.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using behavioral interventions to modify habits in acute treatment settings, but this specific approach for relapse prevention is novel.
Where this research is happening
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New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Steinglass, Joanna E — New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
- Study coordinator: Steinglass, Joanna E
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
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A virtual program to help prevent relapse in anorexia nervosa by facing food-related fears.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.