A new treatment for overcoming fears related to anorexia nervosa
Facing Eating Disorder Fears for Anorexia Nervosa: a Virtual Relapse Prevention Program Targeted At Approach and Avoidance Behaviors
This study is testing a new online treatment that helps people with anorexia nervosa face their fears about food and body image to see if it works better than regular treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Louisville Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Louisville, Kentucky) |
| Trial ID | NCT05596799 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates a modular treatment called FED-F that combines exposure therapy with psychoeducation and cognitive skills to help individuals confront their fears surrounding food, weight gain, body perception, and social situations. The research aims to refine and test the acceptability and feasibility of this virtual treatment in a small pilot study, comparing its effectiveness against standard treatment methods. By focusing on core mechanisms that predict relapse in anorexia nervosa, the study seeks to provide a more accessible and effective therapeutic option for patients.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-65 who have been discharged from intensive treatment for anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa within the past six months.
Not a fit: Patients who are under 18, over 65, or have active psychiatric conditions such as high suicidality, mania, or psychosis may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve recovery outcomes and reduce relapse rates for individuals with anorexia nervosa.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific FED-F approach is novel, similar studies utilizing exposure therapy for eating disorders have shown promising results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-65 * Meets criteria for DSM-5 defined AN, AN partial remission, or AN full remission, Atypical Anorexia Nervosa (AAN), AAN partial remission, or AAN full remission * Has been discharged from intensive (i.e., inpatient, residential, or partial hospital program) in the past 6 months Exclusion Criteria: * Under 18 * Over 65 * Does not meet criteria for DSM-5 defined AN, AN partial-remission, or AN full-remission * High and active Suicidality * Active Mania * Active psychosis * Medically Compromised Status including extremely low weight (less than or equal to 75% median BMI for age, sex, and height) * Does not meet criteria for DSM-5 defined AN, AN partial remission, or AN full remission, AAN, AAN partial remission, or AAN full remission * Has not been discharged from intensive (i.e., inpatient, residential, or partial hospital program) in the past 6 months
Where this trial is running
Louisville, Kentucky
- Eating Anxiety Laboratory and Clinic — Louisville, Kentucky, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Cheri A Levinson, Ph.D. — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Cheri A Levinson, Ph.D.
- Email: cheri.levinson@louisville.edu
- Phone: 502-852-7710
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.