Online guided self-help treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa
Confirming the Effectiveness and Efficiency of Online Guided Self-Help Family-Based Treatment for Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa
This study is trying to see if an online self-help treatment for anorexia nervosa works better than traditional video therapy for teenagers aged 12-18.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Stanford, California and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05563649 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 12-18 who meet DSM-5 criteria for anorexia nervosa and live with a family that can participate in the treatment.
Not a fit: Patients with current psychotic illnesses, intellectual disabilities, or other severe mental health issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a more accessible and effective treatment option for adolescents with anorexia nervosa.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using guided self-help approaches for various mental health conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Stanford, California and 1 other locations
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.