Home-based treatment options for adolescent eating disorders

Project HOME: Home-Based Treatment Options and Mechanisms for Eating Disorders

NA · University of Pittsburgh · NCT05184556

This study tests if two different home-based therapies can help teenagers with anorexia nervosa improve their eating habits and overall health.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh (other)
Locations3 sites (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05184556 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial evaluates the effectiveness of two psychological treatments for adolescent anorexia nervosa delivered in a home setting. Adolescents with anorexia nervosa and their caregivers will be randomly assigned to either family-based treatment or integrated family therapy. The study will assess various outcomes, including weight, eating behaviors, and treatment mechanisms, while also measuring the feasibility and acceptability of these treatments among families and providers. The goal is to enhance understanding of how home-based interventions can improve access to care and treatment outcomes for adolescents with eating disorders.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents diagnosed with anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa who live at home and have supportive caregivers willing to participate in treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with severe physical illnesses requiring hospitalization or those with psychotic disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide more accessible and effective treatment options for adolescents struggling with anorexia nervosa.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in home-based interventions for mental health conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach in treating eating disorders.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Meets criteria for AN or atypical AN according to DSM-5 diagnostic criteria.
* Currently living at home with caregivers who are willing to engage in family treatment.
* Medically stable for outpatient treatment according to the recommended thresholds of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Society of Adolescent Medicine (e.g., ≥75% of expected body weight, heartrate ≥50 beats per minute) and receiving medical monitoring from a clinician throughout treatment.
* If on psychotropic medication, meets all eligibility criteria while on stable dose of psychotropic medication for a co-morbid condition.
* Available for follow-up.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Associated physical illness that necessitates hospitalization.
* Psychotic illness/other mental illness requiring hospitalization.
* Current dependence on drugs or alcohol.
* Physical conditions (e.g. diabetes mellitus, pregnancy) known to influence eating or weight.
* Concurrent involvement in other psychological treatment for an eating disorder.
* Developmental delay that would preclude participation in the intervention.

Where this trial is running

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and 2 other locations

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: Anorexia Nervosa, Eating Disorders

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.