Examining family effects of therapy for anorexia nervosa

Family Functioning and Adverse Side Effects of Family-based Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa. User Perspectives and Observed Changes - a Mixed Method Explorative Study Designed to Inform a Clinical Trial Testing Treatment Improvements

Observational Mental Health Services in the Capital Region, Denmark · NCT06097247

This study is trying to see how family-based therapy for anorexia nervosa affects family relationships and stress levels in parents and children.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages13 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorMental Health Services in the Capital Region, Denmark Academic / other
Locations1 site (Copenhagen)
Trial IDNCT06097247 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the potential adverse side effects of family-based therapy (FBT) for anorexia nervosa in children and adolescents, focusing on family functioning and parent-child relationships. It aims to quantitatively assess changes in parental stress, family dynamics, emotion regulation, and attachment levels over the course of treatment. Additionally, the study will qualitatively explore the experiences of both young patients and their parents during FBT. The findings will help generate hypotheses for future modifications to FBT that could reduce negative impacts on family relationships.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include children and adolescents diagnosed with anorexia nervosa who are beginning family-based treatment and live with at least one parent.

Not a fit: Patients who are not Danish-speaking or those who have previously undergone treatment for anorexia nervosa may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved family dynamics and better treatment outcomes for children undergoing therapy for anorexia nervosa.

How similar studies have performed: While family-based therapy has been widely used, this study's focus on the adverse effects on family functioning is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in previous research.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of F50.0 or F50.1 first time of treatment with family-based treatment living with a minimum of one parent informed consent from young person and parents

Exclusion Criteria:

* non Danish-speaking

Where this trial is running

Copenhagen

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 in AdolescenceAnorexia in ChildrenFamily Relations
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.