Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 10 to 20

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.

More Anorexia Nervosa trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages10 Years to 20 Years
SexAll
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SponsorShanghai Mental Health Center
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Shanghai)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 3, 2026
Main results expectedDecember 1, 2026
Study endsJanuary 20, 2027
Registry record updatedAugust 25, 2026
Trial IDNCT07734779 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.