Virtual reality treatment for eating disorders

The Dialogue Study: A Randomized Clinical Trial Investigating the Effect of a Virtual-reality Based Treatment for Eating Disorders

Not applicable Interventional Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital · NCT06345040

This study is testing if a new virtual reality therapy can help people with anorexia and bulimia feel better and improve their lives when combined with standard treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment96 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMental Health Centre Copenhagen, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hellerup, Copenhagen)
Trial IDNCT06345040 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The Dialogue Study investigates the effectiveness of a novel virtual reality-based psychotherapy for individuals with eating disorders, specifically anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. In this randomized trial, 96 participants will be assigned to receive either virtual reality therapy combined with standard treatment or standard treatment alone. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, and at 12 and 24 months post-baseline, with independent assessors evaluating outcomes while remaining blinded to treatment allocation. The study aims to determine if this innovative approach can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for patients suffering from eating disorders.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have a diagnosis of an eating disorder and can recognize an internal eating disorder voice.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those with comorbid psychosis, active suicidal ideations, or those unable to identify an internal eating disorder voice.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new, effective therapeutic option for patients struggling with eating disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies utilizing virtual reality therapy for psychotic disorders have shown success, suggesting potential for this novel application in treating eating disorders.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. ≥ Age 18 of years
2. Ability to give informed consent
3. A diagnosis of eating disorder (ICD-10 code: F50.0 - F.50.3)
4. Recognizing having an internal eating disorder voice

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Unable to identify an internal eating disorder voice
2. Organic brain disease
3. Comorbid psychosis
4. Psychotic depression
5. Active suicidal ideations
6. Risk of refeeding syndrome
7. A command of spoken Danish or English inadequate for engaging in therapy

Where this trial is running

Hellerup, Copenhagen

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Eating DisordersAnorexia NervosaBulimia NervosaVirtual reality-assisted therapyeating disorder voiceanorexic voiceavatar therapyexternalization
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.