Online guided self-help treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of online guided self-help family-based treatment (GSH-FBT) with traditional family-based treatment delivered via videoconferencing (FBT-V) for adolescents suffering from anorexia nervosa. The focus is on improving access to care by utilizing a self-help approach that can be more scalable than conventional therapy. Participants aged 12-18 who meet specific criteria will be enrolled, and their progress will be monitored to assess clinical improvements. The study is designed to confirm whether GSH-FBT can achieve better outcomes more efficiently in real-world settings.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Participants are 12-18 years of age
2. Participants live with a family (some families may contain only one parent)
3. Family members fluently speak and read English and have access to a computer with internet
4. Participants meet DSM-5 criteria for AN (both subtypes)
5. EBW above 75%
6. Participants are medically stable for outpatient treatment according to the recommended thresholds of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Society of Adolescent Medicine
7. Participants are not engaged in another individual or family-based psychotherapy trial during the duration of treatment sessions in the study.
8. Medications for comorbid psychiatric disorders are OK; randomization will balance groups through tracking.

Exclusion Criteria:

Current psychotic illness or intellectual disability or other mental illnesses that would prohibit the use of psychotherapy; current dependence on drugs or alcohol; physical conditions (e.g. diabetes mellitus, pregnancy) known to influence eating or weight; previous FBT; and inability of the participant and/or family to speak and understand English.

Where it's running

• Stanford University
  Stanford, California, United States Recruiting
• McMaster University
  Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Ainsley E Cogburn, B.S.
• Email: familytreatment@stanford.edu
• Phone: 6507239182

Similar studies

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

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• Hormone and metabolic patterns in hypothalamus-like brain cells from people with anorexia nervosa

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• Narrative medicine workshops to support teens and young adults with anorexia nervosa (virtual)

  This program tests whether a six-week series of narrative medicine workshops can help 16–25-year-olds with anorexia nervosa express themselves, reflect, and build resilience.

  Recruiting University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, California · NCT07579442

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.