A mobile app to help improve outcomes in eating disorders

Development of a Guided Self-help Mobile App to Improve Treatment Outcome for Individuals Suffering From Eating Disorders

NA · University of Palermo · NCT06551974

This study tests whether a mobile app can help people with eating disorders manage their symptoms better, both for those in treatment and those not currently getting help.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment242 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Palermo (other)
Locations1 site (Catanzaro)
Trial IDNCT06551974 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to enhance treatment for eating disorders by utilizing a guided self-help mobile app. It focuses on individuals with eating disorders, providing them with personalized support and resources to manage their symptoms. The study will conduct two randomized controlled trials in different settings: one for patients receiving outpatient treatment and another for individuals in the community who are not currently in treatment. The app is designed to empower users with information and skills to cope with their eating disorders effectively.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include Italian-speaking adults over 18 with a diagnosed eating disorder or those exhibiting symptoms but not currently receiving treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with acute psychosis, severe depression, suicidal ideation, or other significant impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the management and outcomes of individuals suffering from eating disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using digital technologies for treating eating disorders, indicating that this approach is both relevant and potentially effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

The inclusion criteria for study 1 are: (1) \>18 years, (2) with a clinician-formulated diagnosis of eating disorder (i.e., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder) or Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder based on the criteria of the DSM-5-TR, (3) having started TAU within 12 months; (4) with access to Internet connection through a mobile device, (5) Italian speaking.

The inclusion criteria for study 2 are: (1) \>18 years, (2) a score \> 2.77 on the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire, (3) attending no treatment for eating disorder symptoms but reporting a regular monitoring by their own primary care physician (GP), 4) with access to Internet connection through a mobile device, (4) Italian speaking.

Exclusion Criteria:

For both study 1and 2: acute psychosis, clinical depression or suicidal ideation, pregnancy, use of medication that might influence eating behavior, neurological and visual impairment and Intellectual disability.

Where this trial is running

Catanzaro

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Eating Disorder Symptom, Eating Disorders, Eating Behavior, eating disorders, guided self-help, online intervention, peer mentoring, tailored interventions

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.