Using AI and VR to help treat eating disorders
Assistance and Rehabilitation of Eating Behavior Through Devices Based on Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 15 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Messina, Italy) |
| Trial ID | NCT06799962 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
Not a fit: Patients with eating disorders who are currently undergoing other psychotherapeutic interventions may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Messina, Italy
- 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
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.