Eating Disorder Chatbot to help adults
Official title: Optimizing an Automated Chatbot to Achieve Efficient, Scalable Treatment for Eating Disorders
Run by Washington University School of Medicine · NCT07218302 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A CBT-based chatbot is being tested to see if it can help adults with clinical or subclinical eating disorders manage symptoms and behaviors.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 800 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Washington University School of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (St Louis, Missouri) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 17, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2029 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | July 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07218302 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 years or older with a smartphone who screen positive for a clinical or subclinical eating disorder and are not currently in treatment.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals not experiencing ED symptoms or those unable to engage with a smartphone-based intervention may receive limited or no benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This Phase 2 trial tests four candidate CBT chatbot components aimed at reducing eating disorder pathology in adults who are not in treatment. Participants are randomized to one of 16 component combinations or a waitlist control, allowing researchers to identify which elements most effectively reduce symptoms and associated distress over 1, 2, and 6 months. The study uses a digital, accessible format to deliver evidence-based strategies for weight/shape concerns, dietary restraint, emotion regulation, and binge urges. Outcomes include changes in eating disorder symptoms, behavior frequencies, depression and anxiety symptoms, and overall impairment. Recruitment targets 800 adults who screen positive for a clinical or subclinical eating disorder and own a smartphone.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the chatbot could provide an affordable, scalable tool to reduce eating disorder symptoms and improve quality of life for adults who have limited access to traditional treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests digital CBT components can help with ED symptoms, but this study tests which specific components are most effective in a large randomized design.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18+ years old * Owns a smartphone * Speaks English * US resident * Screens for a clinical or subclinical eating disorder * Low suicidality * Not currently in treatment for an eating disorder * Does not have a medical condition or take medications that impact appetite/weight * Not currently pregnant Exclusion Criteria: * Below 18 years of age * Does not own a smartphone * Does not speak English * Lives outside the US * Screens as: at risk for an eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, atypical anorexia nervosa, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, or not at risk for an ED * High suicidality * In treatment for an eating disorder * Has a medical condition or takes medication(s) that impact appetite/weight * Currently pregnant
Where it's running
-
Washington University in St. Louis
St Louis, Missouri, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ellen Fitzsimmons-Craft, Ph.D. — Washington University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Marianna B. Horton, B.S./B.A.
- Email: m.horton@wustl.edu
- Phone: 3149355843
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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National Highly Specialized Care for Severe Self-Harm and Eating Disorders in Swedish Youth
This observational study tests how well NHV, a highly specialized care program, works for children and teens with severe self-harm or eating disorders by asking patients and their parents about their experiences and what changes they notice.
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National Highly Specialized Care for adults with treatment-resistant self-harm and eating disorders (Substudy 1)
This study tests how people with severe, hard-to-turge self-harm or eating disorders in Sweden experience NHV care and whether the treatment helps with symptoms and daily functioning.
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FlexED: A digital program to help young women see thoughts and feelings about their body in a friendlier way
This trial tests a smartphone-based, gamified ACT-inspired program called FlexED to help young women and girls at risk for eating disorders see how they think and feel about their bodies, and to see if it can be feasibly spread to more people.
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Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Therapy vs Structured Lifestyle on Weight and Health
This study tests whether starting a GLP-1 receptor agonist for weight loss works differently from a structured diet-and-exercise program in improving heart and metabolic health for adults with overweight or obesity.
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FlexED: Full Threshold Body-Image Intervention for Young Women
A mobile, gamified ACT-based program is tested to see if it helps young women with eating disorders feel less distressed about their bodies and reduce symptoms.
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This trial tests four different psychotherapy formats to see which best reduces binge-eating episodes in adults with Binge Eating Disorder.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.