Relapse Prevention and Habit Change for Anorexia Nervosa
Official title: Optimizing Relapse Prevention and Changing Habits in Anorexia Nervosa
Run by New York State Psychiatric Institute · NCT04810624 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program tests a multi-component relapse-prevention package after hospital treatment to see which parts help people with anorexia nervosa maintain weight over six months.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | New York State Psychiatric Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 21, 2021 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04810624 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with anorexia nervosa who are medically stable, have restored weight, and can access internet-enabled videoconferencing.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with ongoing acute medical or psychiatric instability or those requiring specialized treatment for comorbid conditions 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
The study aims to optimize a relapse prevention package (REACH+) for adults with anorexia nervosa after acute care. It examines five components—behavioral strategies, cognitive approaches, motivation, food monitoring, and skill consolidation—to identify which contribute most to maintaining weight and remission. The optimization phase uses a finalized treatment manual and an online platform to deliver the interventions and measure their impact on weight maintenance post-hospitalization. Participants must be medically stable, able to use videoconferencing, and have restored weight (BMI > 19 kg/m2). The trial is conducted at the New York State Psychiatric Institute with academic partners and NIMH support.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the package could help patients sustain recovery after hospital treatment and reduce relapse risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous relapse-prevention efforts exist, but this trial tests a novel, multi-component approach tailored to habit change post-hospitalization.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa at hospital admission * Medically Stable * Internet capability with videoconferencing * Weight restored (BMI \> 19 kg/m2) at New York State Psychiatric Institute Exclusion Criteria: * Current substance use or other comorbid disorder requiring specialized treatment * Pregnancy * Imminent risk of suicide * Serious medical illness * Daily psychotropic medication other than antidepressants (medications that are known effect weight are exclusionary, i.e. stimulants, olanzapine, mirtazapine) * Participation in outside psychotherapy or structured treatment program (support groups will be allowed). Individuals who are discharged on medications would need to have a non-study psychiatrist.
Where it's running
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New York State Psychiatric Institute
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Joanna Steinglass, MD
- Email: js1124@cumc.columbia.edu
- Phone: 646-774-6345
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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.