Improving eating disorder symptoms in sexual minority individuals

Targeting Minority Stressors to Improve Eating Disorder Symptoms in Sexual Minority Individuals With Eating Disorders

Phase 1 Interventional Auburn University · NCT06565637

This study is testing a new therapy program to see if it can help sexual minority individuals with eating disorders feel better by addressing their unique challenges.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorAuburn University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Auburn, Alabama and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06565637 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a new intervention called Promoting Resilience to Improve Disordered Eating (PRIDE) in reducing internalized stigma and enhancing coping strategies among sexual minority individuals diagnosed with eating disorders. Participants will undergo a screening process to confirm eligibility and will attend up to 14 weekly therapy sessions focused on addressing the unique stressors faced by this population. The study seeks to determine if targeted treatment can lead to improved outcomes for sexual minority individuals suffering from eating disorders.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are sexual minority individuals aged 18 to 65 who have been diagnosed with an eating disorder and have experienced discrimination due to their sexual orientation.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as sexual minorities or those with untreated major psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce eating disorder symptoms and improve coping mechanisms for sexual minority individuals.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically targeting sexual minority individuals with eating disorders, existing studies indicate that addressing internalized stigma can improve mental health outcomes, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age 18 to 65 years
* identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, other non-heterosexual identities
* meet criteria for a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual - 5 (DSM-5) eating disorder (i.e., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, other specified feeding or eating disorder)
* reports current (past 12 months) experience with discrimination due to sexual orientation;
* speaks English
* has internet access and a working webcam
* reside (and plan to continue to reside for the study duration) in California or one of the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) states
* able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* inability to speak/read English
* active suicidal plans or intent
* other major untreated psychiatric diagnoses (e.g., untreated bipolar disorder, untreated psychosis)
* body mass index below 17.0, a standard clinical cutoff used to denote moderate-severe underweight that may be indicated for a higher level of medical care than standard outpatient treatment

Where this trial is running

Auburn, Alabama and 1 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.
Conditions Eating DisordersSexual Minorities
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.