Remote treatment targeting reward mechanisms in anorexia nervosa
Neuroscience-informed Treatment to Remotely Target Reward Mechanisms in Post-acute Anorexia Nervosa
This study is testing whether a new online therapy focused on positive feelings can help people who have anorexia nervosa after finishing their previous treatment, compared to a standard therapy approach.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Virginia Commonwealth University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Richmond, Virginia) |
| Trial ID | NCT05799872 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to recruit individuals with anorexia nervosa who have recently completed higher-level treatment. Participants will be randomized to receive either Positive Affect Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa (PAT-AN) or Psychoeducation and Behavioral Therapy (PBT) through teletherapy. The intervention will last for 24 weeks, during which participants will engage in weekly assessments and therapy sessions. The study will evaluate treatment acceptability, affect, and eating disorder symptoms through various measures.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa and are transitioning from higher-level care to outpatient treatment.
Not a fit: Patients who are medically unstable for outpatient care or have a primary psychotic or bipolar-I disorder may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could improve recovery outcomes for patients with anorexia nervosa by effectively targeting reward mechanisms.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies targeting reward mechanisms in eating disorders have shown promise, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age \> or = 18 years old 2. Ability to read and speak in English 3. DSM-5 diagnosis of AN or atypical AN at admission to higher-level care 4. In higher-level care discharging to outpatient care or discharged to outpatient care within the past 3 months 5. Current BMI \> or = 18.5 kg/m2 (or will be by time of discharge) 6. BMI increase of \> or = 0.5 kg/m2 while in higher-level care 7. Ability to designate and sign a release of information for a primary physical or mental health provider for study duration 8. Willingness to participate in weekly assessments (e.g., weight monitoring) and audio or video recording of study therapy sessions for study duration 9. Access to a smartphone and/or computer permitting engagement in remote therapy and assessment. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Medical instability for outpatient care; 2. Pregnancy 3. Lifetime DSM-5 primary psychotic or bipolar-I disorder 4. Current DSM-5 substance use disorder 5. Enrollment in outpatient therapy with highly overlapping content to PAT-AN
Where this trial is running
Richmond, Virginia
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, Virginia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ann Haynos, PhD — Principal Investigator
- Study coordinator: Kira Venables
- Email: venableskg@vcu.edu
- Phone: (804)828-2658
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.