Using virtual reality to help treat anorexia nervosa in children
Improving the Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa in Children Through Virtual Reality Body Exposure
NA · University of Barcelona · NCT06166355
This study is testing whether virtual reality can help children under 14 with anorexia nervosa by changing how they think about their body image.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 108 (estimated) |
| Ages | N/A to 14 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Barcelona (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Barcelona, Barcelona) |
| Trial ID | NCT06166355 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to address the increasing prevalence of anorexia nervosa in children by utilizing virtual reality (VR) technology to modify attentional biases related to body image. The intervention includes VR-based body exposure and cognitive-behavioral therapy, targeting children under 14 years old with a primary diagnosis of anorexia nervosa. By focusing on the unique characteristics of childhood anorexia, the study seeks to develop tailored treatment strategies that can improve outcomes for young patients. The research is particularly timely given the rising incidence of eating disorders exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children under 14 years old diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and a BMI below 18.5.
Not a fit: Patients with visual deficits, psychotic disorders, or other significant medical complications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective treatments for childhood anorexia nervosa, improving recovery rates and long-term health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically targeting childhood anorexia with VR, similar approaches in treating other psychological conditions have shown promising results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with a primary diagnosis of anorexia nervosa (DSM-V) * Patients below 14 years old * Patients with BMI \<18.5 * Subsyndromal patients will also be included Exclusion Criteria: * Visual deficits * Epilepsy or neuroleptic medication * Psychotic disorder * Bipolar disorder * Medical complications * Pregnancy * Clinical cardiac arrhythmia
Where this trial is running
Barcelona, Barcelona
- Hospital Sant Joan de Déu — Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: José Gutiérrez-Maldonado — University of Barcelona
- Study coordinator: José Gutiérrez-Maldonado
- Email: jgutierrezm@ub.edu
- Phone: 93 312 51 24
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.
Conditions: Anorexia Nervosa, Attentional Bias, Virtual Reality, Eye-Tracking, Body exposure procedure, Attentional bias modification training