Smart technology to help adolescents recover from anorexia nervosa
Smart Technology for Anorexia Nervosa Recovery: A Pilot Intervention for the Post-Acute Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa
This study is testing a smartphone app called STAR to see if it can help teenagers recovering from anorexia nervosa stay on track after their initial treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 13 Years to 21 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Kansas Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lawrence, Kansas) |
| Trial ID | NCT05190926 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to improve recovery outcomes for adolescents aged 13-21 who have recently completed acute treatment for anorexia nervosa. It utilizes a smartphone-based therapy support tool called Smart Treatment for Anorexia Recovery (STAR), which incorporates elements from established therapeutic approaches to address emotional avoidance. The intervention is designed to optimize face-to-face clinical services and includes adaptive mobile health features to enhance ongoing support and reduce the risk of relapse. The study will assess the effectiveness of STAR in conjunction with outpatient therapy to provide real-time feedback and support for both patients and clinicians.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 13-21 who have received acute treatment for anorexia nervosa and are currently engaged in outpatient therapy.
Not a fit: Patients with uncorrected visual impairments, severe medical conditions affecting appetite, or current psychotic or substance use disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce relapse rates and improve long-term recovery outcomes for adolescents with anorexia nervosa.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies exploring mobile health interventions for mental health, this specific approach using STAR is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 13 to 21 * Able to read and speak fluent English * Access to a smartphone * Received acute treatment for anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa \[residential, inpatient, partial hospitalization (PHP), or intensive outpatient program (IOP)\] within the past three months * Currently receiving weekly outpatient treatment (or planning to start outpatient treatment) for current anorexia nervosa/atypical anorexia nervosa, or past anorexia nervosa/atypical anorexia nervosa (e.g., anorexia nervosa in partial remission). Exclusion Criteria: * Uncorrected visual impairments that would prevent smartphone use * Intellectual or developmental disability * Medical condition that affects appetite or weight (e.g., thyroid disorder, diabetes, cancer, pregnancy) * Current psychotic disorder or substance use disorder * BMI-z \< 14 or lab abnormalities indicating medical instability * Unwillingness for data to be shared with outpatient therapist
Where this trial is running
Lawrence, Kansas
- University of Kansas, Wakarusa Research Facility — Lawrence, Kansas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kelsie Forbush, PhD — University of Kansas
- Study coordinator: Kelsie Forbush, PhD
- Email: kforbush@ku.edu
- Phone: 7858646525
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.