Relapse prevention for anorexia nervosa by changing habits
Official title: Making the MOST of Relapse Prevention in Anorexia Nervosa: A Treatment Optimization Study Targeting Habits
Funded at New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC · NIH-11216013 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests habit-focused relapse-prevention treatments to help adults with anorexia nervosa stay well after completing acute treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| 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 | May 1, 2026 |
| Project end | February 28, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $922,289 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH141008-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11216013 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults (21 and older) with anorexia nervosa who have recently completed acute or residential treatment and are at risk of relapse.
✕Less likely to help
People under 21, those with other primary eating disorders or unstable medical/psychiatric conditions, or anyone unwilling to work on habitual behaviors may not receive benefit from this program.
What this research studies
You would receive treatments aimed at changing the automatic thoughts, feelings, and routines that keep restrictive eating going. The team will use the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) to compare several treatment components at once and build the most effective package for the vulnerable six months after discharge. The researchers have already completed a preparation phase showing the approach is acceptable and feasible. The study will identify which parts of the program actually help prevent relapse so future patients get the best combination of supports.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lower relapse rates and help people maintain healthier eating patterns after treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier pilot work by this team showed feasibility and early signs of benefit, but fully optimized, habit-focused relapse prevention for anorexia remains relatively new and not yet widely proven.
Where this research is happening
-
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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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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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.
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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.