Early treatment for anorexia nervosa in a day hospital

Assessment of the Impact of Early Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa in a Day Hospital on Food Symptomatology, the Outcome of Young Patients, and the Family Experience

Observational Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris · NCT06218472

This study tests if early treatment for teenagers with anorexia nervosa in a day hospital can help them get better faster compared to regular outpatient care.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment164 (estimated)
Ages12 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAssistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris Academic / other
Locations1 site (Paris, IDF)
Trial IDNCT06218472 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the impact of early intervention for adolescents with anorexia nervosa in a day hospital setting. It involves a multidisciplinary approach, including psychological and dietary assessments, to provide comprehensive care while allowing patients to remain in their home environment. The study will recruit patients over two years and follow their outcomes for five years, assessing both clinical symptoms and family experiences. The goal is to determine the effectiveness of this early treatment model compared to traditional outpatient care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 12-18 experiencing anorexia nervosa for less than 12 months and their parents.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of specialized treatment for eating disorders in the past year or those in crisis requiring immediate hospitalization may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved outcomes for adolescents with anorexia nervosa and their families.

How similar studies have performed: While there are existing programs for severe cases of anorexia, this early intervention approach in a day hospital setting is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adolescents in the age range of 12-18 years and their parents,
* First-time consultation at the MDA for anorexia nervosa (according to DSM-5) evolving for less than 12 months,
* Adolescents with clinical characteristics suitable for DH care.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Parents and/or children who do not speak French or cannot read or write,
* Patients who have been followed by an eating disorder specialist in the past 12 months (at the MDA or elsewhere) or previously hospitalized for anorexia nervosa,
* Patients who have undergone family therapy in the past,
* Patients with BMI less than 13 kg/m2 for those under 14 years old, or less than 14 kg/m2 for those over 14 years old at the initial assessment,
* Patients with a major psychiatric comorbidity or a metabolic condition interfering with eating or its regulation,
* Patients and families in a crisis situation requiring immediate hospitalization.

Where this trial is running

Paris, IDF

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.
Conditions Anorexia NervosaAnorexia nervosaFamily-based treatmentDay hospitalEarly interventionParental experience
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.