Program for Carers of Adults with Anorexia Nervosa

Evaluation of a Skills-Based Program for Carers & Families of Patients with Anorexia Nervosa

Not applicable Interventional NHS Forth Valley · NCT06624397

This study is testing an online program to see if it helps people who care for adults with anorexia nervosa feel better and support their loved ones more effectively.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNHS Forth Valley Government
Locations2 sites (Glasgow, Scotland and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06624397 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The CAREFREE program is a 12-session online intervention designed for carers of adults suffering from moderate to severe Anorexia Nervosa. It aims to provide these carers with a comprehensive understanding of the disorder through a Biopsychosocial framework, focusing on the complex biological, psychological, and social factors involved. The program emphasizes emotional fluency, family communication skills, and self-other compassion, while also addressing carer burnout. The study will evaluate the program's feasibility and effectiveness in improving the quality of life for both carers and patients, as well as enhancing motivation for recovery among patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include carers of adults over 17 years old with moderate to severe, treatment-resistant Anorexia Nervosa.

Not a fit: Patients currently experiencing acute psychosis may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the quality of life and relationships for both carers and patients dealing with Anorexia Nervosa.

How similar studies have performed: While this specific approach is novel, similar interventions targeting carer support in mental health have shown promise in improving outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Carer Participants

Inclusion Criteria

* Has a family member, partner or spouse/partner with moderate-severe, treatment resistant and/or co-morbid anorexia nervosa (as diagnosed by a clinician at one these centres)
* Is over the age of 17
* Can speak and read English
* Has access to the internet and is comfortable using an online meeting platform

Exclusion Criteria

* Cannot speak/read English
* Is currently suffering from acute psychosis

Participants with Anorexia

Inclusion Criteria

* Have moderate-severe, treatment resistant and/or co-morbid anorexia nervosa (as diagnosed by a clinician at one these centres)
* Is over 17 years of age
* Can speak and read English

Exclusion Criteria

• Is currently suffering from acute psychotic mental health state

Where this trial is running

Glasgow, Scotland 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 Anorexia NervosaCarer Stress SyndromeBurnoutCarer BurnoutCAREFREE
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.