Identifying risk factors in severe eating disorders

Unfolding Severe and Enduring Eating Disorders (U-SEED)

Observational Uppsala University Hospital · NCT06592963

This study is trying to find out what biological and psychological traits might put people at risk for severe eating disorders by looking at patients' histories and collecting information from new participants.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUppsala University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Uppsala, Uppsala County)
Trial IDNCT06592963 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to identify biological and psychological characteristics that serve as risk factors for individuals with severe and enduring eating disorders (SEED). It involves a cohort of well-diagnosed eating disorder patients from 2005, followed by a new sample of adults with ongoing SEED. Participants will undergo diagnostic assessments, complete questionnaires, and provide blood samples to explore the relationship between various factors and symptom severity. The study seeks to enhance understanding of the complexities surrounding SEED and its associated challenges.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with a history of eating disorder symptoms lasting at least seven years and who have undergone at least one evidence-based treatment without achieving remission.

Not a fit: Patients requiring emergency care for eating disorder symptoms or those at high risk for suicide may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved identification and treatment strategies for patients with severe eating disorders.

How similar studies have performed: While research on severe eating disorders is limited, this study builds on existing knowledge and aims to replicate findings from previous cohorts, indicating a potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
For aim 1 (register based cohort):

Incl. criteria:

Attended care for eating disorders at Uppsala University Hospital between 2005 and 2007 and accepted to be included in a local quality register.

Excl. criteria: None

For aim 2 (ongoing SEED sample and register based cohort)

Incl. criteria:

* For ongoing SEED sample: Minimum age of 18, impairing eating disorder symptoms for at least seven years, and having at least one evidence-based treatment without remission or resulting in relapse.
* For register based cohort, see above.

Excl. criteria:

* For ongoing SEED sample: Eating disorders symptoms in need of emergency care, high risk for suicide, and an inability to respond to the questionnaires due to lack of knowledge in Swedish.

For aim 3 and 4 (the ongoing SEED sample). See above.

Where this trial is running

Uppsala, Uppsala County

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 Eating DisordersAnorexia NervosaBulimia NervosaBinge-Eating DisorderPersonality DisordersRegistersSevere and Enduring Eating Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.