Online FBT-DBT for Caregivers of Teens with Anorexia Nervosa
Official title: A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Online Family-Based Treatment (FBT) Combined With Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Intervention Versus Online Supportive Psychological Intervention for Reducing Caregiver Burden Among Caregivers of Individuals With Anorexia Nervosa
Run by Shanghai Mental Health Center · NCT07734779 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This online program tests a combination of family-based and DBT skills to help caregivers of teens with anorexia nervosa manage stress and improve family support.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 10 Years to 20 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Shanghai Mental Health Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Shanghai) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 3, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | January 20, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 25, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07734779 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are primary, in-home caregivers of a child aged 10-20 with anorexia nervosa, who live with the patient and have at least a primary school education, and who can commit to online sessions and assessments.
✕Probably not a fit
Caregivers with severe emotional instability, active self-harm, or those currently caring for another seriously ill family member may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This trial tests an online intervention that blends Family-Based Treatment (FBT) with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help primary caregivers of adolescents with anorexia nervosa. The program aims to reduce caregiver distress, improve caregiving skills, and strengthen family functioning. Participants are primary caregivers living with their child aged 10-20 years diagnosed with AN, with no severe comorbid conditions in the child and caregiver. Two study arms are offered: an online FBT-DBT intervention and an online supportive psychological intervention. The study is conducted by Shanghai Mental Health Center and focuses on internet-based delivery suitable for caregivers’ schedules.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, caregivers may experience less distress and better skills to support their child’s recovery, potentially improving family dynamics.
How similar studies have gone: There is prior evidence supporting FBT and DBT components separately for caregiver and patient outcomes, but this specific online integrated approach in this population is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Primary caregiver of an individual diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN) by a qualified clinician. The individual with AN is between 10 and 20 years of age. The individual with AN does not have a severe comorbid physical illness or severe psychiatric disorder. The caregiver lives in the same household as the individual with AN. The caregiver has at least a primary school level of education and is able to complete study procedures and questionnaires. All participating caregivers from the same family are willing to participate in the intervention and assessment procedures. Able and willing to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Currently providing care for another family member with a chronic physical illness or psychiatric disorder. Current or past history of a severe physical illness or severe psychiatric disorder that would interfere with study participation. Severe emotional instability, active self-harm or suicidal behavior, psychotic symptoms, or other psychiatric conditions requiring immediate clinical intervention. Unable or unwilling to participate in the intervention or assessment procedures.
Where it's running
-
Shanghai Mental Health Center
Shanghai, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: jue Chen
- Email: chenjue2088@163.com
- Phone: 86 18017311203
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Specialist Supportive Clinical Management for teens with anorexia or atypical anorexia
This study tests a teen-focused SSCM approach to help 13-17 year-olds with anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa when other treatments haven’t worked or can’t be used.
-
Identifying Signatures of Gut Interoception in Functional Dyspepsia and Anorexia Nervosa
This study tests how the gut-brain connection works in people with functional dyspepsia or anorexia nervosa using brain imaging.
-
Lived Experience Narratives in Dementia
This project tests a digital Online LEND Intervention that shares dementia patients’ and caregivers’ lived experiences to see if it helps wellbeing and connection.
-
Support for caregivers of people with heart disease to reduce stress
This study tests whether the Confident Caregiver program can help family caregivers of people with cardiovascular disease feel less burdened and stressed, with sessions delivered virtually.
-
Nurse-led support for caregivers of older adults with advanced lung cancer
This study tests a nurse-led care and resource system to support older adults with advanced lung cancer and their family caregivers.
-
VOCALE LBD: Online Support for Caregivers of Lewy Body Dementia
This online, text-based program tests whether a tailored 8-week caregiver group helps reduce depression in family caregivers of people with Lewy Body Dementia compared with standard educational materials.
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.