Using AI and VR to help treat eating disorders
Official title: Assistance and Rehabilitation of Eating Behavior Through Devices Based on Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality
Run by Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica · NCT06799962 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing new virtual reality tools powered by artificial intelligence to see if they can help people with eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia feel better faster than traditional therapy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 15 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Messina, Italy) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 30, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 30, 2025 |
| Study ends | January 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 30, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06799962 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, with a BMI between 16 and 32, and who have had the disorder for at least six months.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with eating disorders who are currently undergoing other psychotherapeutic interventions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This project aims to develop innovative virtual reality (VR) devices combined with artificial intelligence (AI) to treat eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. The ARCADIA VR project focuses on creating personalized VR systems that offer unique therapeutic approaches, like Enhanced Body-Swap for anorexia and Emotional Rescripting for bulimia. These technologies are designed to improve the effectiveness and speed of treatment by monitoring patients' conditions and tailoring interventions to their needs. The study seeks to provide a new avenue for rehabilitation that goes beyond traditional cognitive behavioral therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective and faster rehabilitation for patients with eating disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of VR and AI in treating eating disorders is a novel approach, similar studies in other areas of mental health have shown promising results.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa according to DSM-5-TR (APA, 2013) and ICD-11, confirmed by a public hospital setting * Body Mass Index (BMI) between 16 and 32 * Disorder present for at least 6 months * No other concurrent psychotherapeutic interventions during the study * All participants with a previous diagnosis will be re-evaluated and confirmed through assessment and consent by expert professionals in the research team (i.e., a neuropsychiatrist and a clinical psychologist)
Where it's running
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Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB) - National Research Council (CNR)
Messina, Italy, Italy Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Flavia Marino — Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB) - National Research Council (CNR)
- Study coordinator: Flavia marino
- Email: flavia.marino@irib.cnr.it
- Phone: +393395798263
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Eating Disorder Dynamic Intervention
A digital program is tested to help adults with eating disorders by sending real-time, personalized coping tips based on smartphone surveys and sensor data.
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An AI chatbot to help teens and young adults with eating disorders manage anxiety about weight gain
This project will test an AI-powered chatbot that delivers exposure-based exercises to help adolescents and young adults in a partial hospitalization program reduce anxiety about weight gain.
-
Long-term observation of severe eating disorders
This study is tracking adolescents and adults with severe eating disorders over many years to see what factors affect their health and recovery.
-
Cognitive evaluation for people with eating disorders
This project tests whether thinking skills (like cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control) and automatic food-related attitudes differ among people aged 14–65 with ARFID, anorexia, or bulimia.
-
Digital twins to classify mental health patterns in adults with diabetes
This project will try to create 'digital twin' profiles that combine glucose, mood, and behavior data to track mental health patterns in adults with diabetes.
-
Gastrointestinal symptoms during weight restoration in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa with different diets
This project will test whether different nutritional strategies (flexitarian, vegetarian, or vegan) change gastrointestinal symptoms during multi-week inpatient weight rehabilitation for people with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.