Understanding body image issues in anorexia nervosa

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• Hormone and metabolic patterns in hypothalamus-like brain cells from people with anorexia nervosa

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.