Understanding body image issues in anorexia nervosa
Interoceptive Mechanisms of Body Image Disturbance in Anorexia Nervosa
This study is testing whether a new treatment that helps people with anorexia nervosa better understand their internal body signals can improve their body image compared to a treatment that focuses on outside images.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 102 (estimated) |
| Ages | 13 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Inc. Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tulsa, Oklahoma) |
| Trial ID | NCT06332963 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the relationship between interoceptive processing and body image disturbance in individuals with anorexia nervosa. It employs a randomized experimental design with 102 participants who will receive either interoceptively focused treatment (IFT) involving floatation-REST or exteroceptively focused treatment (EFT) involving video viewing. Both groups will first undergo a one-hour session of acceptance and mindfulness-based training. The goal is to explore how changes in interoceptive processing can influence body image perceptions and inform future therapeutic approaches.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are females aged 15 to 40 with a primary diagnosis of anorexia nervosa and significant body dissatisfaction.
Not a fit: Patients with active suicidal ideation, severe self-harm behaviors, or those currently pregnant may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective therapies for body image dissatisfaction in patients with anorexia nervosa.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of linking interoception to body image disturbance is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding and treating body image issues.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Primary diagnosis of anorexia nervosa 2. Photographic Figure Rating Scale (PFRS) body dissatisfaction score greater than or equal to 1 3. Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q6) Shape Concern Subscale score greater than or equal to 3 4. Weight restored to body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 17.5 5. No current evidence of orthostatic hypotension or if there is no evidence of additional fall risk as determined by their provider 6. Clinical status transition from acute to residential status 7. No new psychiatric medications in the week prior to randomization 8. Female sex assigned at birth 9. Ages 13 to 50 years 10. Independently ambulatory 11. Ability to lay flat comfortably 12. English proficiency 13. Willingness and ability to participate in study procedures 14. Provision of informed consent (parent consent and minor assent if less than 18 years of age). Exclusion Criteria: 1. Active suicidal ideation with plan and intent 2. Active cutting or skin lacerating behaviors 3. Pregnancy as defined by urine screening 4. Acute intoxication as indicated by urine drug screen or breathalyzer 5. Orthostatic hypotension as determined by medical provider, evidenced in chart (defined as a drop of ≥ 20 mmHg in systolic blood pressure (BP) or a drop of ≥ 10 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure (BP) when measured shortly after transitioning from lying down to standing). If evidence of orthostasis is present in chart consultation with provider to determine if status creates additional fall risk. If participant is determined to be at increased fall risk (e.g., dizziness upon standing) they will be excluded. 6. Seizure reported within the previous 12 months 7. Co-morbid diagnoses of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. (DSM-5) bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychosis spectrum disorder 8. Systolic blood pressure \> 160 mmHg 9. Diastolic blood pressure \>100 mmHg 10. Resting heart rate \<50 beats per minute.
Where this trial is running
Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research — Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Emily M Choquette, PhD — Laureate Institute for Brain Research
- Study coordinator: Emily M Choquette, PhD
- Email: echoquette@laureateinstitute.org
- Phone: 918-703-2343
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.