Smartphone app for managing binge eating using DBT skills
EMOTE: a Smartphone Application for Binge Eating Based on DBT Skills: a Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing a smartphone app that helps women manage binge eating by using skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy to see if it can reduce binge eating episodes over four months.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 68 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Universidade do Porto Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Porto, Porto District) |
| Trial ID | NCT06683456 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the efficacy of eMOTE, a smartphone application designed to help women manage binge eating episodes through Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the app intervention group or a waiting list group, with the app providing psychoeducation, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance modules. The study will track changes in binge eating frequency, eating disorder psychopathology, and body mass index over a period of four months. Data will be collected through online self-report instruments and self-monitoring diaries.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18 and older who self-report binge eating episodes and are fluent in Portuguese.
Not a fit: Patients currently attending psychotherapy or those with severe eating disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this app could provide an accessible and effective tool for women struggling with binge eating, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using smartphone applications for treating binge eating, indicating that this approach is both relevant and potentially effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * female; * aged 18 years or older; * self-report at least one binge eating episode over the past four weeks; * owned a smartphone; * fluent in Portuguese. Exclusion Criteria: * attending psychotherapy (face-to-face or digital) or another clinical trial; * body mass index below 18.5; * self-report an average of eight or more episodes of binge eating or inappropriate compensatory behaviours per week; * being pregnant; * self-report bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder, substance abuse, suicidal ideation or borderline personality disorder.
Where this trial is running
Porto, Porto District
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational and Education Sciences — Porto, Porto District, Portugal (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Telma Cruz, MSc — Universidade do Porto
- Study coordinator: Telma Cruz, MSc
- Email: telmandreiacruz@gmail.com
- Phone: 220400667
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.